San Francisco's notorious commute is about to hit another snag as Caltrans readies to overhaul the well-trodden 19th Avenue, a crucial North-South city artery, beginning December 1. According to an announcement by Caltrans Bay Area-District 4, phase one will cause drivers to navigate around construction starting at Sloat Blvd. and moving north towards Lincoln Way, encompassing parking strip and lane repaving scheduled during mostly off-peak hours.
The work, as detailed by Hoodline, is part of a larger initiative to rehabilitate major thoroughfares in the city, a move that will undoubtedly press San Franciscans' patience as the project unfolds across 18.8 lane miles, causing intermittent lane reductions, expected to shove regular rush hour traffic into a churning slow dance of stop-and-go frustration throughout its duration that includes meticulous night work at Park Presido and California intersections. Commuters are advised to expect slower travel times and to watch for temporary relocation of bus stops, as these are important navigational cues for those who utilize public transit.
Caltrans has ordered lane reductions but will keep at least one lane open in each direction throughout construction to maintain traffic flow. Drivers are encouraged to plan alternate routes, especially during peak hours, roughly 6–10 AM and 3–7 PM, to help reduce delays and keep commutes as smooth as possible during the project.
