Parking Changes, Lane Closures, Page Street Neighborway Headed To Hayes Valley

Parking Changes, Lane Closures, Page Street Neighborway Headed To Hayes ValleyPhotos: Courtesy of SFMTA
Teresa Hammerl
Published on March 25, 2017

As we reported earlier this month, SFMTA will close the half-block of Octavia Boulevard between Linden and Hayes streets to cars for a one-week test phase starting March 31st. During the closure, two outdoor movie nights will take place.

But a few other neighborhood infrastructure projects are in the works, too.

Page Street now a 'Neighborway'

Plans to improve Page Street for walking and bicycling have now been officially re-branded as the Page Street Neighborway Project. "Neighborway" is the city's term "to describe a residential street with low volumes of auto traffic and low vehicle speeds where bicycles and pedestrians are given priority over motor vehicle traffic."

SFMTA is currently working to develop the final project proposal before seeking approval. The proposal will call for corner bulb-outs, a raised intersection at Buchanan Street, and bikeway improvements, as well as strategies to reduce through traffic along the corridor.

For more details, visit the project website.

Page Street issues that neighbors have shared during outreach events. | Image: SFMTA

Construction headed to Octavia, Oak, Laguna, Hayes

This summer, Hayes Valley residents will also notice construction along Octavia Boulevard and Oak, Laguna and Hayes streets, which will involve re-paving, construction of new and modified median/refuge islands, and bulb-outs.

Temporary lane closures during this period are also expected, SFMTA notes. The agency promises more details as the construction date approaches.

Lanes and parking changes on Gough, Fell, Hayes

The SFMTA is proposing changes to travel lanes and parking that will be heard at a public hearing on March 31st at 10am (San Francisco City Hall, Room 416).

On Gough Street between Hayes and Fell, SFMTA wants to convert the curb-side right turn lane into parking. A single lane could make it easier for Muni buses and other large vehicles to turn onto Fell Street.

According to SFMTA, this will also simplify the pedestrian crossing at Gough and Fell streets, and add approximately seven new parking spaces on Gough Street.

Image: SFMTA

At first, parking will be regulated with two-hour time limits; if traffic operations are not adversely affected, parking meters and commercial loading spaces along this block will be installed.

Further proposed changes include the extension of the existing afternoon traffic peak tow-away lane on Fell Street between Franklin and Gough streets.

SFMTA also plans a small right turn pocket on Hayes Street, eastbound, approaching Gough Street, which would require the removal of two metered parking spaces.

Oak and Fell lane reduction postponed

Previous proposals to reduce the through lanes on Oak and Fell streets (between Octavia Boulevard and Gough Street), and to add angled parking are no longer being pursued, SFMTA announced.

In addition to hearing concerns from residents during outreach events, ongoing construction activities related to the Van Ness Bus Rapid Transit project also contributed to the decision to hold off—for now.

More details about the Octavia Boulevard Enhancement project can be found on its website, where you can also subscribe to receive updates.

What do you think of the upcoming changes? Let us know in the comments.