Commuters and residents of Van Ness, prepare yourself for some significant construction this coming week, as well as in the upcoming months.

The reason is a good one: a pedestrian tunnel is being constructed under Van Ness, connecting Geary Sutter Health’s CPMC Campus with a future medical office building across the street. The hospital currently has 274 beds, and this tunnel has the potential to increase efficiency and safety of patients. 

HerreroBOLDT, the construction company heading up the activity, will be working with Caltrans and the SFMTA to reroute drivers onto other streets, meaning that traffic along some streets may increase in the Tenderloin and Hayes Valley. The proposed plan is below:

(Image: HerreroBOLDT)

From April 6th - 9th certain lanes along Van Ness will be closed to traffic between Geary Boulevard and Post Street, and full street closures may occur at nighttime. Three full 72-hour closures will occur the weekends of April 10th, April 24th, and September 5th, allowing only MUNI, emergency vehicles, pedestrians, and residents of the block to access the street at that time. 

Plan your commutes accordingly, and despite the inevitable noise and frustration, keep in mind it's all for a good cause.