Journey Underground with Photos of Muni's Nighttime Subway Construction

Every night underground, our crews are hard at work to modernize critical communication systems in the Muni Metro subway from Embarcadero to West Portal. The two projects underway will provide safer and more reliable service and allow us to respond quickly in the event of an emergency.

We wanted to give you a glimpse at what’s happening underground. Almost two months into construction, we’re on track to complete the work on time. 

All’s quiet at West Portal Station as construction crews prepare to start the night shift, upgrading critical communication systems in the subway.

In place of trains, bus shuttles take customers to stops between Embarcadero Station and St. Francis Circle.

A specialized truck fit for riding the rails enters the tunnel at West Portal Station.

Crews prepare trucks and equipment to install modern communications systems that will make Muni Metro more reliable.

Beneath Twin Peaks, crews install brackets on the wall to carry communications cables through the tunnel.

By the time they’re done, crews will have installed about 15,000 brackets and 15 miles of cable for the new communication systems in the subway.

An electrician installs a new blue light emergency phone in Castro Station. When emergencies happen, people can pick up this phone to directly reach emergency services. The blue light flashes, too, alerting that there’s a problem.

When Muni service resumes in the morning, this crossover at Embarcadero Station lets trains change between inbound and outbound tracks.

Outside Embarcadero Station, trucks exit the tunnel, bringing crews back to the surface after a successful night of work.

The communications upgrades are on track to finish up early next year, bringing safer, more reliable service to Muni’s 155,000 daily Metro riders.

While the subway is closed, a bus bridge will provide service between Embarcadero Station and St. Francis Circle to connect with the rail service. Learn more at the project webpage—or ask an SFMTA Ambassador. They’re on hand to assist customers at busy transfer points.

Taking Muni at night? Our ambassadors can help you get where you're going. Look for them in orange hats and vests.