Cesar Chavez/Potrero Ave/Bayshore Blvd Intersection Improvements (The Hairball)
In the area known as the Hairball, Cesar Chavez Street, Bayshore Boulevard and Potrero Avenue change from city streets to a complex arrangement of bridges and ramps linking with Highway 101. The intersection is built in three levels, with pedestrian and bicycle circulation generally restricted to the middle and ground levels, while motor vehicles use all three levels. This series of pedestrian and bicycle pathways in the Hairball allow for connections between Cesar Chavez Street, Bayshore Boulevard and Potrero Avenue that are not possible by vehicle. However, the network has clear gaps where the bicycle and/or pedestrian facilities are limited or substandard. Certain portions of the network are not ADA accessible and are in poor condition. Lastly, because of the many paths that intersect in this area, the interchange is challenging to navigate and there are points of high conflict between vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles.
In the first phase of the project, the SFMTA and Public Works installed upgrades to the southwestern and southeastern entry areas to the pathways.
The SFMTA is currently undertaking another series of spot improvements to address these safety issues, specifically at Bayshore Blvd and Marin Street, and Cesar Chavez East at the 101-North highway on-ramp. The scope includes striping improvements, upgrading bikeways, and special pavement striping and is expected to be installed in Summer 2022.
In addition, the SFMTA is working with Public Works to design raised crosswalks at four locations, upgrade multiple curb ramps and bulbs, and install a Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacon. Details of the design and schedule will be posted as the project continues.
The Hairball Intersection Improvement Project is an effort to make key portions of the Hairball paths safer and easier to use for pedestrians and bicyclists. The project also seeks to provide better, safer connections to and from the Bayview neighborhood.
COMPLETED IMPROVEMENTS
In 2017, changes were made to the southeastern entry to the Hairball on Jerrold Avenue and Bayshore Boulevard, including:
- Southbound Bayshore Blvd. bicyclists continue to share sidewalk, but northbound bike path widened from 6 feet to 12 feet (including a 6 foot bike lane with buffers).
- New curbside bike lane installed on westbound Jerrold Avenue from Bayshore Blvd. connecting to the bike route on Barneveld Avenue.
- New bike lane installed adjacent to the existing parking on westbound Jerrold Ave. from the bike route on Barneveld Ave. to Bayshore Blvd.
- Continental crosswalk on Marin Street at Bayshore Blvd.
- Continental crosswalks, greenback sharrows, and elephant tracks installed on Jerrold Ave.at the intersection of Bayshore Blvd.
- Continental crosswalks installed at the intersection of Jerrold and Barneveld Avenues.
In 2021, changes to the southwestern segments were constructed by Public Works and include the following elements:
- Entry ramp widened and resurfaced at westbound Cesar Chavez Street.
- Eastbound shared bike/pedestrian path widened from 6-ft to10-ft for shared/flexible uses.
- New green buffer installed to set back pathway from the road/highway onramp.
- New retaining walls and abutment installed.
- Pathway regraded to allow for sufficient clearance at the highway overpass.
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ADDTIONAL PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS
The SFMTA is currently undertaking another series of spot improvements to address these safety issues, specifically at Bayshore Blvd and Marin Street, and Cesar Chavez East at the 101-North highway on-ramp. The scope includes striping improvements, upgrading bikeways, and special pavement striping and is expected to be installed in Summer 2022. Specifically, the spot improvements include the following:
|
Location |
Spot Improvement |
|---|---|
|
Intersection of Marin Street and Bayshore Boulevard East |
Class IV Bikeway Upgrade/Dutch Corner to increase visibility and safety of bicyclists
|
|
Intersection of 101‐S Off‐Ramp and Cesar Chavez East |
Merge road to single lane ahead of crosswalk to help with traffic calming |
|
Cesar Chavez Westbound at Vermont Street/101‐N On‐Ramp |
Shorten bike lane merge zone and protect with additional delineator posts
|
In addition, the SFMTA is working with Public Works to design and build raised crosswalks at four locations, upgrade multiple curb ramps and bulbs, and install a Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacon. Details of the design and schedule will be posted as this project continues.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
This project builds on previous outreach efforts of the Cesar Chavez East Community Design Plan. The SFMTA conducted targeted outreach for the preliminary designs from key stakeholders for the project including District 10, District 9, the Bicycle and Pedestrian group of Caltrans District 4, and the San Francisco Bike Coalition.