The Embarcadero Enhancement Project: Creating a Safe and Lively Waterfront

The Embarcadero Enhancement Project: Creating a Safe and Lively Waterfront
By Benjamin Barnett

As people walking, on bikes, scooters, and in motor vehicles all compete for space on the Embarcadero, travel along the waterfront can be challenging and create conflicts, especially at peak times. To address this, the SFMTA initiated The Embarcadero Quick-Build Project in 2020 as the first part of a larger plan to improve safety and livability on that corridor.

Safety and mobility improvements have so far been completed at Pier 35, the Ferry Terminal, and in the Rincon Restaurant Zone. These projects improve the safety and enjoyment of all modes of travel and mark a pivotal starting point in creating an improved waterfront for everyone to use.

Just the Start
The next step in connecting and extending these quick-build improvements is the implementation of an even more ambitious plan, The Embarcadero Enhancement Project (EEP). On Tuesday, January 12, the SFMTA presented the phasing plan of the EEP, including details of Phase 1, to the Port Commission. The plan prioritizes the next phases of infrastructure development that will occur along the corridor.

Rendering of Phase 1 of safety improvements on the Embarcadero at Ferry Building Plaza

Safety and Mobility
The Embarcadero corridor between Townsend and Lombard streets is part of San Francisco’s Vision Zero High Injury Network (HIN), the 13 percent of streets accounting for 75 percent of severe and fatal traffic injuries. Sadly, 174 severe injury collisions and two fatalities have taken place along this corridor in the last five years. To achieve our Vision Zero safety goals of eliminating all traffic fatalities, the SFMTA will deliver the greater Embarcadero Enhancement Project through our on-going partnership with the Port of San Francisco and the input of community stakeholders. The Embarcadero Enhancement Project seeks to:

• Build a safer Embarcadero for all users
• Improve connections between the Embarcadero and nearby neighborhoods
• Elevate the Embarcadero’s role as a valued destination and workplace for locals, visitors, businesses, maritime and industrial uses
• Invest in critical infrastructure to support the renewal and recovery of our City while protecting public health

Upcoming Phases
The first phase will take place along the Central Segment between Mission Street and Broadway. The second phase will focus along the Southern Segment between Folsom and Townsend streets.

Phase 1 - Central Segment (Mission to Broadway)
The first phase (Central Segment) will be constructed in two parts, with less-intensive construction to occur in 2021, using “quick-build” techniques and city crews, followed by more substantial capital investment and construction.

This sequenced approach allows for timely implementation of key safety measures and expanded mobility options during the pandemic-related temporary shutdown of historic streetcar service. It also allows the project team time to observe and evaluate these changes prior to committing to more permanent and expensive streetscape features.

Phase 2 - Southern Segment (Mission to Townsend)
The second phase (Southern Segment) proposes to extend the quick-build and Central Segment improvements south toward the ballpark, Caltrain, and growing Mission Rock neighborhood. This phase requires more significant capital investment and changes to the existing promenade and center medians to accommodate a fully protected two-way bikeway. As such, Phase 2 has a longer and less certain timeframe. SFMTA staff are undertaking preliminary engineering and will be coordinating with the Port’s development plans for Piers 30-32 and 38-40.

Northern Segment (Broadway to North Point)
The Embarcadero Enhancement Project's preliminary engineering phase identified several design and funding challenges to implementing the project as envisioned along The Embarcadero north of Broadway.  This segment will not move forward as part of the EEP, but the SFMTA together with the Fisherman’s Wharf/Pier 39 circulation study will perform additional public outreach and analysis later this year to determine what safety improvements might be feasible in that area.

Stay Informed as We Create a Safer Embarcadero
The Embarcadero is a special place for many in San Francisco and beyond. We look forward to engaging with the community in the months ahead to help this important project take shape. Outreach for Phase 1 is currently underway through the spring of 2021. Please visit our project website at SFMTA.com/Embarcadero to stay up to date on the latest information and sign up for updates, or contact the project team directly by emailing Embarcadero@SFMTA.com.

SFMTA Sign Shop crew installing safety posts along the Embarcadero bicycle lane in August 2020.

Published January 15, 2021 at 09:59PM
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Renewing San Francisco’s Subway for the 21st Century

Renewing San Francisco’s Subway for the 21st Century
By Jerri Diep

The Muni Metro system operates underground from Embarcadero to West Portal in tunnels that were constructed between 50 to 100 years ago. Considering their age and history, SFMTA has undertaken a Subway Renewal Program to ensure that this vital segment of our transportation network is brought into a state-of-good repair.

The SFMTA kicked off the first part of the Subway Renewal Program during the current shutdown, which began as a result of the pandemic in March 2020. Work is underway to improve the reliability of the system and reduce disruptions for years to come. While we had hoped to complete all the near-term items we identified during our evaluation period by the end of 2020, designing and procuring some of the more complex elements is taking longer than expected. As a result, some of that initial work will continue even as service is restored.

Track maintenance work being undertaken prior to the return of Muni light-rail to the subway

The Subway Renewal Program lays out a systematic approach to capital upgrades over the next ten years, targeting a backlog of repairs on the most critical systems. This work will improve our subway’s resilience and prepare it for the demands of the future. Additionally, the program provides a framework for future capital work by emphasizing continuous upgrades, as well as identifying replacement needs early and ensuring they are addressed promptly.  The critical subway infrastructure items we will replace over the next ten years include tangent (straight-line) track, crossover tracks and switches. We will also upgrade our electrical systems in the subway stations, enhance ventilation and replace and upgrade our automatic train control system. Long-awaited Wi-Fi connection inside the subway tunnel is already underway and is scheduled for completion prior to the subway reopening.

We will provide more information on future construction work as it becomes available. Stay tuned! 

Current Subway Work Details

The work of our engineering and maintenance teams on Subway Renewal includes:

• Replacing defective splices on the overhead lines, installing new wire to reduce frequency of splices and redesigning support structures to optimize alignment, eliminating slow zones
• Grinding rail to reduce wear on rolling stock, improve ride quality, and extend life of the rail
• Spot-replacing track fasteners and rails in areas of higher wear and deterioration due to ground water
• Replacing track switch machinery in the Muni Metro Turnaround area east of Embarcadero to ensure smooth operations at this critical junction
• Replacing ballast in the Eureka Curve Tunnel to address rail stability and drainage issues

• Upgrading Subway Lighting to allow for improved visibility during maintenance work and emergency response
• Providing customer Wi-Fi access

Subway Work Timeline and Rail Service Return

The timing of rail service returning will align with the completion of safety and operational improvements inside the subway tunnel. The subway will operate initially with limited hours: underground service will stop and shift to bus shuttles at 8:30 p.m. for evening and late-night service due to anticipated low ridership and the need to complete the ongoing improvements of the renewal plan.

The T Third will be first the rail line to enter the subway at Embarcadero Station, once that location is operational, tentatively scheduled for January 23, 2021. The T Third line will operate on the surface between Sunnydale and the Embarcadero, where it will terminate, until full subway service can be returned.

In spring 2021, pending subway repairs and COVID-19 developments, we will extend the T Third rail service through the subway to West Portal and we restart the N Judah. We expect the K Ingleside, L Taraval and M Ocean View to remain as bus routes through the spring while we train more rail operators and complete the first phase of the L Taraval construction project.

We know many San Franciscans rely on our light rail service and we apologize for the inconvenience the continued closure of our rail system has caused. We are working hard to bring rail service back in better shape for a more comfortable and reliable ride. And, through our Subway Renewal Program, we’re planning for more reliable rides in the long-run. We thank you Muni customers for your patience while we work to bring the system up to the standard you deserve.

For updates on rail recovery efforts, please visit SFMTA.com/RailRecovery.

 

 

 

Published January 14, 2021 at 10:01PM
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We Need Your Feedback on Scooter Share

We Need Your Feedback on Scooter Share
By Philip Cranna

The SFMTA is seeking public input as we prepare for the next round of Powered Scooter Share Program permits. We are holding an online meeting at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 14th and also have an online surve for feedback.

The current permits for Scooter Share expire in April 2021. We expect to issue the next round of permits to take effect as soon as the current permits expire. To improve the program, the SFMTA is considering updates and wants to hear from the community about:

• Community engagement requirements: adding a mobility justice training requirement and additional outreach requirements
• Distribution requirements: emphasizing the importance of ensuring that all neighborhoods in San Francisco are served by scooters
• Adaptive scooter program requirements: transitioning from an adaptive pilot requirement to an improved accessibility requirement

The SFMTA is committed to fostering an urban environment where sustainable modes of travel are desirable, accessible, and preferred over operating a private vehicle.

Scooter riders along Valencia Street

Background on 2019 Powered Scooter Share Permit Program

The SFMTA issued permits to four companies, Spin, Scoot, Lime and Jump to operate for a one- year term, beginning October 15, 2019. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the permits were extended by six months to April 2021.

Recent SFMTA authorization also enabled scooter companies to deploy more scooters and expand into new neighborhoods across San Francisco. This expansion aligns with the agency’s commitment to equity by increasing access to sustainable modes of transportation in underserved areas. Scooters offer an efficient travel choice that is environmentally friendly and fills transportation gaps for many. With reduced Muni service and returning traffic congestion, the city is focused on promoting sustainable ways to get around.

Companies Expanding

Spin was the first company to expand its fleet, by adding 500 scooters in September 2020. With the increase, Spin is authorized to deploy up to a total of 1,500 scooters and is required to meet a minimum distribution of scooters in three more neighborhoods: Inner/Central Richmond, Inner/Central Sunset and the Haight.

Lime acquired Jump in June 2020, and because both companies held a permit Lime is now authorized to operate up to 2,000 scooters. Their permit requires Lime to meet a minimum distribution of scooters in the Richmond and Sunset neighborhoods.

Increased Enforcement and Transparency

As the scooter companies’ fleets expanded, the SFMTA also increased our enforcement and monitoring of scooter share to address compliance and safety issues. For transparency in our effort to increase enforcement sweeps and respond to complaints, we’ve published a Scooter Share enforcement dashboard.

The SFMTA is currently standardizing the process of monthly reporting, which will be available on the Powered Scooter Share Permit Program site.

Get Involved:

• Join our online meeting at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 14th and give public comments
• Take our online survey to share feedback – available until Friday, January 29th.

Review the Powered Scooter Share Program website for more

Published January 13, 2021 at 10:10PM
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4th Street Bridge Temporary Emergency Transit Lanes Approved

4th Street Bridge Temporary Emergency Transit Lanes Approved
By Erin McMillan

The SFMTA Board of Directors approved the temporary emergency transit lanes project for the 4th Street Bridge (4th Street between Berry and Channel Streets) on Tuesday, January 5, to support improved transit service on Muni’s T Third. Along with other proposed and planned key locations across the city, the SFMTA plans to install a temporary emergency transit lane on the 4th Street Bridge addressing a key bottleneck that delays the T Third line with work scheduled to begin as early as today, Monday, January 11.

Installing the dedicated transit lane will allow the T Third trains to move more quickly over the bridge without getting stuck in traffic as the SFMTA prepares for the return of T Third light rail service later this month. Pre-COVID, the combined KT line carried over 42,000 customers daily. Additionally, this will help Muni provide more frequent T Third service and increase physically-distanced capacity with the same number of vehicles. Currently, there are one northbound and two southbound lanes on the 4th Street Bridge. Muni tracks share the lanes with traffic, meaning the T Third often gets stuck in congestion, contributing to delays and bunching throughout the entire line.

The SFMTA Board of Directors approved temporary emergency transit lanes on the 4th Street Bridge in both the northbound and southbound directions. In response to community input, southbound left turns from 4th Street onto Berry Street will continue to be allowed, and there will be a phased approach to implementation of the northbound transit lane depending on site conditions.

At first, northbound left turns will be restricted from 4th Street onto Berry Street. The left turn pocket at that location will be converted to a transit lane, and northbound traffic will continue to be allowed on the 4th Street Bridge. If northbound traffic still causes delays to the T Third despite these initial changes, a northbound temporary transit lane will be installed between Berry and Channel Streets. With this change, turn restrictions would be implemented at 4th and Channel to prevent vehicles from entering the northbound transit lane, and northbound traffic would be prohibited on the 4th Street Bridge. A summary of this phased approach is provided below.

Phase 1: To be implemented as early as the week of January 11 with evaluation of the changes at least 3-4 weeks after T Third begins service:

• Southbound transit lane will be installed in one of the two southbound lanes on the 4th Street Bridge
• Northbound left turns will be prohibited from 4th Street onto Berry Street
• The left turn pocket in the northbound direction at 4th onto Berry Street will be converted to a transit lane

Phase 2: If the evaluation of Phase 1 shows that auto traffic still causes transit delay on the 4th Street Bridge, despite the Phase 1 improvements, additional changes to be implemented:  

• Northbound transit lane will be installed in the sole northbound lane on the 4th Street Bridge
• Northbound traffic will not be permitted on the 4th Street Bridge, making the bridge one-way southbound for general traffic
  
  • Heading east on Channel, no left turn onto the 4th Street Bridge
  • Heading west on Channel, no right turn onto the 4th Street Bridge
  • Heading north on 4th Street at Channel, no through traffic onto the 4th Street Bridge (right or left turn required)

Map shows Phase 2 of the project which will be implemented if an evaluation shows that northbound traffic continues to delay transit service.

Evaluation of the phased approach 

Once Phase 1 has been installed and the T Third resumes rail service, evaluation will include monitoring existing traffic cameras in the area to see if traffic blocks the northbound lane on the 4th Street Bridge more than 5% of the time. In addition to monitoring traffic, we will also monitor train travel times using location data from equipment that is onboard some of the trains to identify the times of day when trains experience the longest travel times on the 4th Street Bridge so that these causes of delay can be further investigated and addressed.

After the initial evaluation of this phased approach and the temporary project is fully in place, an additional evaluation of the full project will take place including a community survey and a technical evaluation of the effectiveness of the temporary transit lanes on the 4th Street Bridge.

Community requests for changes on nearby streets

Engineering staff are still working to determine the design feasibility of community members’ suggestions to allow left turns out of the One Mission Bay garage, conversion of Berry Street between 4th and 3rd to two-way or one-way in the opposite direction, and a dedicated right turn lane at Mission Bay Drive and Berry Street.

For additional information on this project, and to sign up for updates, check out the project webpage at SFMTA.com/TempLanesTThird.

Published January 12, 2021 at 03:47AM
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