San Francisco, CA – The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) today announced San Francisco’s transit and traffic management plans to support this year’s historic San Francisco Fourth of July fireworks celebration. For only the third time in history, fireworks will launch from the Golden Gate Bridge to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding.
San Francisco will launch additional fireworks from barges in the bay near Crissy Field and Pier 39, similar to years past. The city expects thousands of visitors from around the Bay Area to gather, especially in the Marina and Presidio neighborhoods.
The SFMTA is preparing for a higher than usual volume of crowds, vehicle traffic and demand on Muni, and is working in close coordination with regional transit partners. We are also working with key city and regional public safety agencies including the Department of Emergency Management, the San Francisco Police Department, San Francisco Sheriff’s Office, the California Highway Patrol, Caltrans, the U.S. Park Police and the Presidio Trust to ensure safety on roadways and throughout the events.
"We anticipate large crowds at this year's historic Fourth of July celebrations, so we encourage people to walk, bike, take transit or a taxi. And if you drive, be prepared for tough parking conditions," said Viktoriya Wise, SFMTA Acting Director of Transportation. "Regardless of how you get there, allow for extra time, pack your patience and some warm clothes, and -- most importantly -- enjoy our beautiful city on this truly special occasion."
Muni Service and Transit Options
Residents are encouraged to walk, bike or take Muni to and from Fourth of July fireworks celebrations. Visitors are strongly encouraged to take public transit to and from San Francisco if possible. Everyone should plan their travel in advance and allot extra time to get around the city. The Marina and Presidio neighborhoods will be especially busy.
Muni will be providing fireworks shuttles that will offer extra service to the fireworks celebration. These Muni fireworks shuttles will provide service from 4-11:30 p.m. on July 4 to the Powell and Embarcadero BART stations.
- The Marina Fireworks Shuttle will run from Powell Street Station at Cyril Magnin and Market along the 38 Geary route to Van Ness Avenue and along the 49 Van Ness/Mission route to Marina Middle School at Chestnut and Fillmore.
- The Pier 39 Embarcadero Fireworks Shuttle will run from Embarcadero Station along the F Market line to North Point and Kearny streets.
Muni’s 28 19th Avenue is also a good way to reach the viewing area. Space will be limited on other Muni routes serving the area and stops that are closest to the fireworks viewing areas may not be served. Please avoid carrying large coolers, chairs, umbrellas or similar items on Muni.
- July 4 Transit Hubs will be centrally located to provide access to great viewing locations:
Marina Middle School Transit Hub (Chestnut and Fillmore) - Van Ness/Bay Transit Hub
- Pier 39 Transit Hub (North Point and Kearny)
From the Marina Middle School Transit Hub, Marina Green is a 15-minute walk, and Crissy Field and Presidio Tunnel Tops Park are a 30-45-minute walk. Muni Fireworks Shuttles and rerouted bus routes will serve these hubs, making it more reliable to get a spot on the bus and exit the area quickly:
The 28 19th Avenue, 30 Stockton and 43 Masonic will be rerouted to Marina Middle School during the day and will not serve their regular stops in the Marina, in the Presidio or at the Golden Gate Bridge Toll Plaza on July 4.
The F Line will be operated by buses all day between Embarcadero Station and North Point/Keary and will not operate on Market Street. Cable cars will be motorized after 2 p.m.
For details, see SFMTA.com/July4.
Taxi service
A temporary taxi stand will be set up on the west side of Baker Street between Beach Street and Bay Street (along the side of the Palace of Fine Arts) from 6 p.m. until midnight on July 4.
Traffic and Street Closures
Drivers should expect significant delays traveling into and around San Francisco beginning Saturday afternoon and continuing through late Saturday night with heightened traffic congestion near the waterfront. SFMTA Parking Control Officers will be deployed to support traffic control in areas with heavy vehicle and foot traffic to make sure pedestrians, cyclists and drivers can travel through crowded intersections and sidewalks safely.
Temporary street closures and restrictions will be in effect at the following locations on July 4:
- Jefferson Street will be closed to all traffic between Hyde Street and The Embarcadero from 1 p.m. until 11 p.m. Embarcadero traffic will be routed onto Beach Street.
Streets in the Fisherman’s Wharf and Marina neighborhoods will be restricted to local access, beginning around 8 p.m. until 11 p.m. Only residents, guests and deliveries will be permitted to access streets north of Bay, Alhambra and Francisco streets as well as Chestnut Street between Fillmore Street and Van Ness Avenue after 8 p.m. - The Golden Gate Bridge will be closed to all traffic from 9 to 10 p.m. to support fireworks operations and public safety. Caltrans will be closing US-101 in both directions starting at 8 p.m. Drivers are encouraged to make plans in the area leading up to and following the event while roads remain closed.
Parking
Parking near major viewing areas is extremely limited and is expected to fill early. Residents should expect increased demand for on-street parking throughout the day and evening in neighborhoods near the waterfront and Golden Gate Bridge.
Temporary parking restrictions will be in place in certain areas. Visitors should carefully read all posted parking signs and restrictions before leaving their vehicle.
Walking, biking and taking Muni or other public transit to and from the fireworks will be the easiest ways to enjoy the July 4 festivities. For all Muni service and traffic updates planned for the Fourth of July celebrations in San Francisco, please visit the SFMTA’s Fourth of July travel webpage (SFMTA.com/July4).
About the SFMTA
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), a department of the City and County of San Francisco, is responsible for the management of all ground transportation in the city. The SFMTA has oversight over the Municipal Railway (Muni) public transit, as well as bicycling, paratransit, parking, traffic and taxis. Established by voter mandate in 1999, the SFMTA aggregated multiple San Francisco city agencies, including the Department of Parking and Traffic, Muni, and, since 2007, the Taxi Commission.
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