The SFMTA Board of Directors has approved a pilot project that will close the congested two blocks of Powell Street between Geary and Ellis streets (the 100-200 blocks) to most traffic (excluding commercial vehicles) for 18 months, with implementation starting this Friday. [Update: The SFMTA clarifies that the full pilot will officially begin later this month.]

Depending on the outcome, SFMTA will propose making the Powell Street Safety and Sidewalk Improvement Pilot permanent, possibly as early as mid-2018. The agency cites cable car safety and efficiency, pedestrian safety and a better walking environment as motivations for the project.