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Project Description

Project Overview:

In an effort to maintain and improve Muni rail service, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), which operates Muni, will start rail replacement for the N and J lines. The primary purpose of Church & Duboce Track Improvement Project is to replace and upgrade SFMTA aging light-rail infrastructure. This project will replace Muni track along Duboce Avenue from Noe Street to Church Street (including partial storage tracks on Duboce Avenue outside of Duboce Portal) and along Church Street between Duboce Avenue and Market Street including the rail crossings on Market Street. The scope of work also includes replacement of various Overhead Contact System, such as poles and overhead wires and components; the replacement of existing track switch control and signal system, improvement of all boarding islands and undergrounding ATCS cables.

San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) and Department of Public Works (DPW) had also joined this project to perform their work to minimize disruptions to Muni operation and the neighborhood.

Project Schedule:

Conceptual Engineering Report was completed in January 2009.

Phases

Targeted Completion

Detail Design

Early  2010

Bid and Award

Fall 2010

Construction

Fall 2012

 

Overhead photo showing project area

What improvements will occur as a result of this project?

The project will improve the SFMTA and DPT infrastructure by upgrading the Muni track systems. Neighborhood improvements include: updating roadway signage; replacing poles and streetlights along Duboce Avenue; replacing underground overhead cables that support the automatic train control system (ATCS) and upgrading the boarding islands.  

The Department of Public Works will repair and repave the roadway and rebuild curb ramps where necessary.  The SF Public Utilities Commission will upgrade water mains and residential water services. Selected areas of the sewer system will also be upgraded.

Conceptual view of Duboce Street after the project

Frequently asked questions

What is the construction timeline?

Construction is expected to start in mid 2010.  The construction work could take up to 30 months for completion. Track replacement is not expected to begin until 2011 as the specialized track systems have yet to be manufactured.

What are the traffic impacts?

During construction, there will be traffic detours around the construction work.   In addition, some street parking will be inaccessible during construction hours. Signage will be posted to alert motorists.

How will this affect my Muni service?

Muni service along Duboce Avenue and Church Street will continue for the duration of the reconstruction period; however, service on the J-Line, N-Line, F-Line and 22 Fillmore bus route may be supplemented or substituted with shuttle bus service for limited durations.

How will this project address neighborhood concerns?

The project will address neighborhood concerns regarding noise and vibration from the Muni streetcar operation, streetscape improvements and possible future streetscape enhancements. 

  • Infrastructure improvements are expected to minimize noise and vibration by:
    • Directly repairing the concrete track foundation wherever possible
    • Improving rail frogs and anchors wherever possible
    • Adding rail lubrication devices to be installed and tested at Sunset Portal
    • Adding new continuous welded girder rails with harder rail head
    • Adding new concrete track pavement to enhance track stability
    • Re-designing new adequate track drainage
    • Employing a Noise/Vibration consultant to address track design, where needed
  • Existing streetlights will be replaced on Duboce Avenue from Church Street to Noe Street. The final type and color of the pole and light fixtures will be selected by the SF Art Commission Civic Design Review Committee with final approval by the SF Art Commission.
  • Plans to upgrade boarding islands in the immediate area will encompass:
    • Widening and lengthening the boarding islands to accommodate two car trains
    • Upgrading boarding islands to accommodate new SFMTA Muni shelters
    • Upgrading boarding islands with new rails and Nextbus communication
    • Upgrading boarding islands with power for limited lighting
    • Converting boarding island on Duboce Avenue at Church Street to a plaza station with no westbound vehicle traffic allowed on Duboce Avenue between Church Street and Fillmore Street
  • Replacing equipment cabinets at Church and Duboce. (Cabinet replacement notice)

Possible future streetscape enhancements are also being considered. The neighborhood association, Duboce Triangle Neighborhood Association and the Castro/Upper Market Community Benefits District have requested additional streetscape improvements along the corridor.  The project team is working with these groups to identify funding sources to incorporate many of the elements proposed by these groups.

Where can I get more information?

Contact the Church and Duboce project via the SFMTA Web site, or contact:

Ming Gu, Project Manager
Transportation Planning & Development Division
SFMTA
1 S. Van Ness, 3rd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94103

How can I receive project updates?

Register with the SFMTA for project updates.

 

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Muni transit service is operated by the Transit Division of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA). Copyright © 2000-2010 SFMTA. All rights reserved. Updated February 25, 2010