Eastbound direction of SF's Bayshore freeway along I-80 to be shut down this weekend: What to know

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- If you're driving in San Francisco this weekend, you might want to reconsider your plans.

A major freeway closure on the Bayshore Freeway is planned starting Friday night and lasting all weekend.

San Francisco drivers are preparing for the traffic nightmare.

"It's going to be a big mess," said San Francisco resident Jason Cook. "I'm not leaving town, thank God, but I feel sorry for the people that are coming in or leaving town."

The closures will start Friday at 11 p.m. and last through Monday at 6 a.m.

The Eastbound I-80 Bayshore Freeway will be closed along a 1.6 mile stretch between 17th and 4th Streets, along with the Southbound and Northbound U.S.-101 Bayshore Freeway to Eastbound I-80 connector ramps.

Lori Shepherd, of Caltrans, said this is part of a bigger 2-year project.

"There is a rehabilitation effort underway to really revitalize the viaducts on the eastbound Bayshore freeway," Shepherd said. "We know that it's always difficult when you close a freeway. But at the same time, these are projects that need to take place and safety is top concern."

Shepherd said on an average Saturday and Sunday, about 55,000 people combined drive on that stretch of EB 80 during the peak daytime hours.

So, it'll impact a lot of drivers.

"If they can get it done in a timely manner then that would be great but no more stalling," Cook said. "Let's get this stuff done and fixed as soon as possible."

"We have a lot of people doing hard work out there fixing the roads and stuff, but at the same time congestion is a real problem," said a San Francisco resident who goes by Sean T. "I think more people should switch to riding bikes."

He said he thinks it'll be worth the short-term pain for the long-term gain of better roads.

A reminder: the Bay Bridge will remain open.

You're urged to use public transportation this weekend.

Caltrans has listed suggested detours on its website.

You can monitor traffic conditions through our ABC7 Eyewitness News map here.