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SFMTA presents Central Embarcadero safety project; bikeway extension will require parking, median changes and left‑turn restrictions
Summary
SFMTA and Port staff briefed the commission on a Central Embarcadero Safety Project that will extend a protected two‑way bikeway south of Folsom to Brannan and revise crossings and loading zones between Broadway and Brannan to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety.
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), presented an informational briefing to the Port Commission on the Central Embarcadero Safety Project, a phased effort to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety along the Embarcadero while maintaining vehicle circulation, loading access and transit reliability.
SFMTA Principal Planner Casey Hildreth and Port planner Jai Jackson described the project as a two‑part program: targeted updates to the existing quick‑build corridor between Broadway and Mission, and a more capital‑intensive bikeway extension from Folsom Street south to Brannan. The effort is funded in part by competitive grants (staff said the project is “fully funded” after receiving over $8 million in grants) and includes about 50 curb ramp upgrades and a significant number of ADA improvements that have driven the project’s design timeline.
Design trade‑offs. To create a protected two‑way bikeway without eliminating the promenade or northbound vehicle lanes, SFMTA said the project will: remove some on‑street parking; narrow center medians (which will require removal of about 15 existing palm trees with a stated goal of one‑for‑one replanting in the corridor); and introduce new northbound left‑turn restrictions at Brannan and Folsom streets. The median narrowing will allow vehicle lanes to shift toward the center trackway and make room on the bay side for a raised, protected bikeway separated by a barrier; SFMTA said ornamental cobblestones salvaged from the medians would be incorporated into the barrier.
Loading and operations. The project includes changes to curb management intended to preserve loading capacity: conversion of some parking to passenger and commercial loading zones (including additional loading in front of Rincon restaurants), and potential hybrid curb zones. SFMTA staff said they will coordinate closely with port tenants, the Fire Department and transit agencies to ensure emergency access and Muni vehicle operations are preserved.
Pedestrian crossings and enforcement. SFMTA emphasized raised waiting islands, new pedestrian islands, and traffic‑calming features at key crossings near the Ferry Building and Clay Street. Commissioners and public commenters raised enforcement concerns for wheeled users who continue to use the promenade; SFMTA said additional signage, physical measures, and outreach will be considered though enforcement relies in part on SFPD resources.
Timeline and next steps. Staff said they are approaching 65% design and hope to complete approvals later this summer and finish design early next year with construction beginning in 2026, ideally outside of the baseball season. SFMTA described ongoing interdepartmental review, additional stakeholder outreach and coordination with the Waterfront Resilience Program.
Public comment and commissioners’ concerns focused on loading, drop‑off (Uber/Lyft/valet), emergency vehicle access, enforcement of promenade rules for e‑bikes and scooters and preserving palm trees where feasible.
