West Portal's St. Francis Circle to Get Major Improvements

By Rae Doyle

A panel of experts, led by Ha Nguyen of the SF Municipal Transportation Agency (MTA), presented plans for the St. Francis Circle Rail Replacement Project to the west side community in September. About 150 neighbors viewed details of the project. The goal is to improve Muni service by replacing tracks and the overhead traffic system at the intersection of West Portal Avenue, Junipero Serra Boulevard, Sloat Boulevard, Portola Drive and St. Francis Boulevard.

The $18.2 million project - which has been in the planning stages for the last three years - is expected to last from mid-May to Sept. 1, 2010. The project will be divided into three construction phases. After major work is completed by early September, 2010, minor "tidying up" will continue until November.

According to MTA transportation engineer Al Herce, new traffic signals will be installed to more efficiently control automobile and Muni train traffic at the busy intersection, allowing for a smoother flow of traffic after the project is completed. There will also be street repairs, new sidewalks and an improved pedestrian island and disability access platform.

The MTA staff's principal piece of advice to the community was to "avoid St. Francis Circle" during construction.

Beginning at Highway 280, signage will notify people of lane changes and other construction information.

The MTA representatives explained various measures being taken to mitigate the traffic impact. The project is will take place during the summer months to avoid disruption of Muni service for SFSU students. The MTA is also conferring with Stern Grove Festival organizers to work out ways to minimize problems moving people to and from the concert meadow during the summer concert season.

There will be a San Francisco police officer on-site at all times during construction hours.

The largest impact could be on Muni light rail service. The Muni K Line will be shut down for 104 days and the Muni M line for 90 days. Passengers who use the L and J lines will benefit because more cars will be available for those routes.

A temporary switching station will be constructed on West Portal Avenue, between 14th and 15th avenues.

Automobile traffic is expected to be seriously impacted by the 25 buses that will be employed to shuttle passengers who would normally board the two Muni rail lines. During construction, some traffic lanes will be shut down, and at times it will be necessary to detour traffic from the intersection, which could lead to more traffic on side streets.

The Doyle Drive replacement project Ð which should be in progress by next summer - will also impact 19th Avenue, which some will use as an alternative route.

Project details will be posted regularly online at the MTA's Web site.