Highway 101 repaving project causes weekend gridlock in SF
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Drivers traveling through San Francisco this weekend were urged to allow extra time as a major Caltrans construction project shut down a portion of Highway 101 near Hospital Curve, creating significant traffic backups throughout the city.
A one-mile stretch of southbound Highway 101, along with the far-left lane of northbound 101, was closed between 17th Street and Cesar Chavez Street as crews continued a major repaving project. The closure forced traffic onto city streets, resulting in heavy congestion on Harrison Street.
Street and long delays for motorists entering San Francisco from the Bay Bridge.
Traffic was bumper-to-bumper Sunday as vehicles were diverted off the Interstate 80-101 Skyway.
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"It took more than an hour to get here from Oakland," said Diont Butler-Abney, one of many drivers caught in the backup.
While Butler-Abney said he was aware of the project, he admitted it slipped his mind until he encountered the traffic.
"I did, but I forgot. I remembered as soon as I got over here, so not a fan. Not a fan at all," he said.
Caltrans says the weekend closure is part of an around-the-clock effort to replace deteriorating pavement along the Bayshore Freeway near Hospital Curve.
"It's a 24-hour operation," said Caltrans Spokesperson Pedro Quintana. "We had crews tearing out the old concrete, compacting the dirt, and early this morning we finished that final concrete pour."
This marks the third weekend closure associated with the Highway 101 repaving project.
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Despite the inconvenience, some drivers support the longterm benefits.
"I'm happy because they're fixing the road. People will come and not ruin their car," said one motorist.
For nearby businesses, however, the roadwork is taking a financial toll.
Dolores Reyes, owner of Yossie's Cantina on Seventh Street, says sales have dropped about 25% during the closures as customers avoid the area.
"They've told me they won't come, because it's hard to get from one end to the other," Reyes said.
More Closures Scheduled Next Weekend
Caltrans is warning drivers that additional major construction closures are planned across the Bay Area next weekend.
Beginning Oct. 23, all westbound lanes of Interstate 80 in San Francisco will be closed between Fifth and 15th streets for road construction. Traffic will be diverted at the Fremont Street and Fifth Street exits.
Meanwhile, Highway 37 between Vallejo and Sears Point in Sonoma County will undergo a 55-hour closure for roadway improvements designed to better prepare the corridor for the upcoming winter storm season.
"We recognize there's never a good time to close down a freeway, whether it's 80, 101 or 37," Quintana said. "We need to get this work done. It's critical, and we're expecting a heavy storm season."
Caltrans says completing the projects now will improve roadway conditions and reduce the need for future overnight lane closures.
Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, use alternate routes when possible, and expect delays throughout the weekend.
