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Sunset Tunnel Weekend Construction Resumes on March 25-28

As part of the Sunset Tunnel Trackway Improvement Project, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) will resume weekend construction on the Sunset Tunnel. The work will start at 8 p.m. on Friday, Mar. 25 and continue until 3:30 a.m. on Monday, Mar. 28. During construction bus shuttles will substitute for the N Judah rail service between Ocean Beach and Church and Duboce streets.

Since November 2014, the SFMTA has been working diligently on weekends to replace the aging tracks and upgrade other infrastructure inside the tunnel, including Overhead Catenary System (OCS), fire sprinkler and track switch systems.

Built in 1928, the Sunset Tunnel has been in service for nearly 90 years. Upgrading old infrastructure is complex yet delicate. In addition to track replacement, damaged drainage pipes under the tracks are being repaired, comprehensive seismic retrofitting is being performed along with other maintenance work. The seismic upgrades are critical for the safety of the tunnel and the neighborhoods around it.

This weekend, the Transit Signal Priority (TSP) system upgrades will also take place at the intersection of Judah and 18th Avenue. During construction, the street will remain open to traffic, however there will be lane closures and traffic will be diverted. The N Judah island stops served by bus in the area will move to the curbside.

We appreciate your support and patience while we improve your Muni system.

What to Expect during Weekend Construction at Sunset Tunnel:

  • Crews will work continuously from about 8 p.m. on Friday until 3:30 a.m. on Monday.
  • Noise control measures will be implemented; however the work will be audible throughout the weekend.
  • The streets near the tunnel entrances will remain open.
  • To accommodate the tunnel work, parking restrictions will become effective before the work starts on both sides of Duboce Avenue from Steiner to Scott Street, and on both sides of Carl Street from Clayton to Cole Street.

Weekend Bus Substitution Service:

  • While Sunset Tunnel is closed for construction, bus shuttles will replace the N Judah rail service between Ocean Beach and Church & Duboce during service hours from about 7 p.m. on Friday until end of service at 1 a.m. on Monday.
  • Regular N Judah trains will continue to provide service between Church & Duboce and 4th and King streets.
  • The N Judah stops at Church & Duboce will provide a transfer point between bus shuttles and trains for Muni customers.
  • The weekend N Judah Owl bus service will not be affected.
  • Bus arrival predictions will be available on NextMuni for the N bus service only.   

Other Ongoing N Judah System Improvement Projects:

The SFMTA has integrated multiple construction components under the Sunset Tunnel project in order to minimize the inconveniences for both N Judah riders and the community around the construction area.

The Transit Signal Priority (TSP) system upgrades are taking place at nine intersections sequentially along the N Judah Line. This weekend crews will be installing signal conduits at the intersection of Judah Street and 18th Avenue.  

  • Work hours will be 8 to 10 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
  • Street parking at construction site will be temporarily unavailable.
  • Driveway access will be maintained.
  • There will be noise during excavation of the sidewalk and roadway. 

The TSP system will use technology to reduce dwell time at traffic signals for Muni light rail vehicles by holding green lights longer.

The construction of the wheelchair accessible platforms on Judah and 28th Avenue was successfully completed in late March 2015. The westbound and eastbound stops are now in service for the N Judah customers.