Bay Bridge lane closure and APEC events set to disrupt San Francisco traffic
As the week progresses, San Francisco commuters can expect major traffic disruptions due to the closure of a lane on the Bay Bridge and the upcoming APEC events.
The closure of one lane on the Bay Bridge, scheduled to begin at 5 a.m. on Tuesday, is designed to allow law enforcement officers to monitor traffic and provide faster access into San Francisco. While Monday morning’s commute seemed relatively unaffected, the biggest impact is expected to be felt later in the week.
Additionally, APEC events later this week are anticipated to cause traffic issues. Barriers have already been erected in Nob Hill for APEC security, leading to traffic problems in the area.
In preparation for the APEC events, exclusion zones will be established in certain areas, including Market to Harrison streets and Second to Fifth streets in downtown San Francisco and around the hotels on Nob Hill. The exclusion zones will go into full effect late in the week, with only authorized vehicles allowed in the areas, subject to inspections and identification checks.
In addition to the lane closure on the Bay Bridge and the APEC events, several Muni lines will be rerouted or cut short. The California cable car line will not run, and the Powell Street lines will not climb to Nob Hill and will only start at Washington Street. Muni Metro subway service on the Central Subway segment of the T-Third line will also be canceled, with a shuttle train operating between Rose Pak/Chinatown and Union Square/Market Street stations.
These planned changes by the U.S. Secret Service are subject to change, and more temporary closures and reroutings are expected as dignitaries and their entourages arrive in the city.
City officials are advising commuters to plan ahead, avoid driving, and utilize public transit to navigate in and out of San Francisco.
For more information and updates on the traffic situation in San Francisco, reach Michael Cabanatuan at [email protected], or on Twitter: @ctuan.