Final weekend of repaving work closes lanes on 19th Avenue in SF during Memorial Day weekend

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Caltrans crews return to 19th Avenue this weekend to continue repaving the busy corridor, marking the third and final round of scheduled roadwork.

Residents and workers along the stretch say they've already noticed improvements from the previous two weekends of construction.

"It's nice, it's a lot more smoother and you ain't feeling that bumping and all that," said Denis Moore of San Francisco.

Caltrans says the repaving project is designed to last decades.

"It's supposed to be good for 20 years, so it's not a patch job in any way - it's pavement rehabilitation," said spokesperson Matt O'Donnell.

MORE: Road work slows traffic on San Francisco's 19th Avenue -- but drivers say it's worth it

Still, the 75 hours of construction have created challenges for drivers and pedestrians navigating the area.

One woman, who received help from a Caltrans worker to cross the street, said the work is confusing at times.

"Maybe they should have signs further up," she said, adding that while the timing is inconvenient, the improvements are welcome. "It's needed, it's needed - yeah. But just maybe not a good weekend to do it. But it never is."

O'Donnell echoed that sentiment.

"There's no great weekend to do these projects," he said. "But we worked through our transportation partners, and these three weekends were very beneficial for them. They said, 'Let's do it Memorial Day weekend.' It's not a great weekend to do anything, but it worked out for everyone."

MORE:2nd weekend of repaving work closes lanes on southbound 19th Ave in SF

This weekend's closure affects 19th Avenue between Sloat Boulevard and Holloway Avenue. Crews are working on the northbound lanes during the day and the southbound lanes at night. One lane remains open for public transit, emergency responders and local traffic.

Caltrans is urging drivers to use alternate routes.

"We're really pushing Junipero Serra this weekend, but you can obviously take Sunset as well," O'Donnell said. "That's another alternate route we've been using for the first two weekends, and Junipero Serra is the best bet."