Caltrans begins yearlong project repaving 19th Avenue in SF

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Caltrans says the 19th Avenue project in San Francisco will be done in several phases.

The initial phase will focus on parking lane repavement. The second will have crews repave the driving lanes, with the northbound ones done first and then the southbound lanes.

People who work and live nearby say they know this project needs to be done, but that doesn't mean they don't also have concerns.

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That includes concerns from longtime Sunset resident Ed Ho.

"There is a lot of frustration from people, certainly on this side of town," said Ho.

Ho worries the project could cause massive traffic delays on the already crowded roadway.

Combined with the recent closure of the Great Highway, Ho says Sunset residents have fewer major roads to travel on.

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It's a problem he believes will also impact not just San Franciscans, but also Marin and San Mateo County residents, too, given 19th Avenue's vital connectivity to both regions.

"If you want to close roads, fine. But find ways to mitigate the impacts before you close the roads," said Ho.

Some local business owners are also worried.

At Avenues Barber Lounge, owner Joey Snip tells us he remembers the last major roadwork that took place outside his shop.

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It was a time, Snip says, that drove away customers.

"They come in and there's nowhere to park, the roads are messed up and then it affects us. They're like, hey, I've been circling the block for an hour and there's nowhere for me to park," he said.

Caltrans says they'll do everything they can to minimize the disruption.

Repaving work will generally only take place on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"We understand that this is going to be some short-term pain for motorists trying to maneuver around this closure. But we recognize that the benefit from this project will be a long-term gain for the folks who use this important corridor," said spokesperson Pedro Quintana.

Caltrans says at least one lane will be open in each direction at all times for the duration of the project.

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