The closure of a lane on the Bay Bridge will take effect on Tuesday, impacting the morning commute traffic minimally. Commuters mostly avoided driving across the bridge on Monday morning, resulting in a decrease in traffic congestion by 8 a.m.
Major APEC events are expected to cause traffic disruptions later this week.
This morning, Muni service changes and planned rerouting took effect without any reported issues. BART also maintained normal service during the morning commute.
Video: Aldo Toledo
A four-day Bay Bridge lane closure will begin at 5 a.m. Tuesday, allowing law enforcement to monitor traffic and providing faster access into San Francisco. Additionally, off-ramp closures are planned daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Caltrans officials have specified that the traffic will be allowed outside of those hours.
The secured zones will extend from Market to Harrison streets and from Second to Fifth streets in downtown San Francisco, including the area around the hotels on Nob Hill.
The exclusion zones won’t go into full effect until later in the week, with strict vehicle entry regulations and security checks for authorized vehicles. However, pedestrians will be allowed to enter the areas without ID or security checks, except for high-security zones nearest the APEC event locations.
Several Muni lines traversing those areas will be rerouted, shortened, or temporarily cut, including the California cable car line and the Powell Street lines, among others. The changes, planned by the U.S. Secret Service, may also include temporary street closures as dignitaries and their entourages arrive.
City officials strongly advise commuters to plan ahead, avoid driving, and opt for public transit when traveling to and from San Francisco.
Reach Michael Cabanatuan: [email protected]; Twitter: @ctuan
