L Taraval Improvement Project
In resonse to numerous collisions and reported safety concerns, an early implementation of measures known as the L Taraval Rapid project improved safety by adding temporary clear zones at transit stops, a transit only lane and painted safety zones at street corners. The next step is a nearly complete rehabilitation on Taraval Street that will replace infrastructure like the worn rails, overhead wires, water and sewer lines, as well as repave the entire street.
Construction has begun for the L Taraval Improvement Project and it will last approximately three years. Transit service on the L Taraval will remain throughout with a combination of buses and trains. Once completed, the corridor will boast new transit priority traffic signals, bulbouts to make pedestrian crossing safer, new trees, high visibility crosswalks, safety boarding islands and increased accessibility. All of these changes will make Taraval more inviting for everyone that uses it.
Upgraded sewer and water lines, permanent boarding islands and increased accessibility are on its way!
Construction Project Elements
Just in time for the L Taraval to turn 100 years old, the corridor will get much-needed improvements to the Muni system and underground sewer and water lines. The project brings together the SFMTA, Public Utilities Commission, and Public Works to upgrade the vital system that help the community thrive.
- Rail track and overhead line replacement
- Water and sewer line replacement
- Surface repaving
- Curb ramp upgrades
- Concrete boarding islands and pedestrian bulbs
- Traffic signals
- New trees and landscaping
The streetscape style elements including tree selection, decorative crosswalks, trackway accent colors and public art were based on community feedback and will make the corridor an even more inviting to residents and visitors alike.
Construction Segments
In order to minimize disruptions during construction and maximize flexibility, the project is split in two construction segments that will overlap. During various times, there will be bus substitutions for the L Taraval so that crews can work on the rails and infrastructure beneath them. Bus substitution is currently planned for Spring 2020. More information on the exact timing for these substitutions will be available soon.
Segment A: San Francisco Zoo to Sunset Boulevard
Segment B: Sunset Boulevard to West Portal