SFMTA and Supervisor Kim Switch On Safety at 6th and Jessie

75 percent of traffic crashes in San Francisco are concentrated on just 13 percent of the city’s streets, called the San Francisco “High-Injury Network.”

Today, District 6 Supervisor Jane Kim joined the SFMTA Signal Shop to activate a new traffic signal at the intersection of 6th and Jessie streets, which has been on that network of high-injury streets for too long.

In support of the city’s Vision Zero goal to eliminate traffic deaths in San Francisco, the intersection has been transformed from an unsignaled, mid-block crossing, to a safer place for pedestrians. Work recently completed includes:

• A new traffic signal system with audible pedestrian signals,
• High visibility crosswalks, and;
• New street lighting

In the past five years, the intersection had six reported pedestrian crashes and was quickly identified as a candidate for range of traffic safety improvements. As part of the broader 6th Street corridor, which has the City’s highest rate of traffic collisions, the safety improvements are a welcome addition to the neighborhood.

The safer crossing benefits everyone in the community, from small business owners and visitors, to long-time residents and at-risk populations, including people with disabilities and the homeless.

Design and construction for all the improvements cost $620,000 and was funded by the Proposition A Transportation General Obligation Bond funds, approved by San Franciscans in 2014.