Archive for the ‘Transportation’ Category

DeSaulnier leads efforts to increase aviation safety, avoid near-miss incidents

Wednesday, December 20th, 2023
Rep. Mark DeSaulnier and Ambassador C.B. “Sully” Sullenberger. Official photos.

Safe Landings Act garners support of “Sully” Sullenberger, Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations

Washington, D.C.– Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (D, CA-10) announced the introduction of the Safe Landings Act (H.R. 6850) to increase aviation safety and avoid near-miss aircraft incidents, like the one that occurred at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) on July 7, 2017, in which over 1,000 passengers were in danger of losing their lives. By creating a new federal task force to research and identify safety risks, expanding training, and addressing new technology needs, this bill would help reduce human error in aviation and save lives. DeSaulnier first introduced this legislation in August 2019, but with runway incursions this year up 25% from a decade ago and expectations of the busiest ever holiday season for air travel, he has updated the bill based on new information and industry needs. 

“As we approach an exceptionally busy air travel season following a year of unprecedented levels of aircraft near-misses, I am doing all I can in Congress to pass aviation safety reforms to help ensure the protection of and convenience for the flying public,” said DeSaulnier. “By taking a proactive approach to identifying flaws and risks in flying before they cause harm, this bill would help ensure the safety of millions of Americans, especially during periods of heavy air travel, and that the United States remains a global leader in aviation.”

“My mission is making all of us safer when we fly,” said Ambassador “Sully” Sullenberger, U.S. Representative to the International Civil Aviation Organization. “There is still much work to be done. This bill closes many of the gaps in safety that still pose a threat.”

“We applaud Representative DeSaulnier’s proactive efforts to improve aviation safety with the Safe Landings Act,” stated Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations (CAPA) President Captain Larry Rooney. “Aviation safety is a direct result of the continued collaborative efforts of all stakeholders to ensure that the safety of the traveling public remains paramount. This legislation provides the latest opportunity to further refine and improve on known and newly discovered safety deficiencies. Additionally, it recognizes that any attempt to reduce pilot flight deck staffing diminishes the tremendous safety strides made through the robust and proven life-saving application of Crew resource management skills (CRM). CAPA looks forward to providing the subject matter expertise necessary to ensure that this important safety legislation becomes enacted into law.”

Following the near-miss incident at SFO when an arriving Air Canada flight came dangerously close to landing on a taxiway occupied by four aircraft loaded with more than 1,000 passengers, Congressman DeSaulnier, a senior member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and former chair of both the California Assembly and California Senate transportation committees, spent two years researching aviation and near-miss incidents. In consultation with experts in the field, including Captain Sullenberger, pilot unions, air traffic controllers, mechanics, ground safety crews, and federal agencies (NTSB and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) he developed this legislation to ensure that fatal or near-miss incidents—like what occurred at SFO—are prevented in the future.

In addition to this legislation, the FAA announced in September 2023 that it is promoting the use of cockpit-alerting technologies, which is a positive step in the direction toward Congressman DeSaulnier’s provision mandating this technology and the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) recommendations following the 2017 incident.

Specifically, the Safe Landings Act would:

  • Require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to implement systems that would alert both pilots and air traffic controllers if a plane is not properly aligned to land on a runway;
  • Require FAA to gather data and issue guidance on the most effective techniques for pilots to electronically verify they are landing on the correct runway;
  • Require the “notices to air mission” (NOTAM) system to be evaluated for improvements;
  • Direct the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a study on the concerns some pilots have with cockpit voice recorders (CVRs)—like inappropriate foreign government use—and provide recommendations to improve CVRs while also protecting pilots;
  • Create a Task Force on Human Factors in Aviation Safety to review and provide recommendations on crew responses to abnormal events, pilot performance during unexpected events, current flight crew rest and fatigue standards, and other safety related issues;
  • Require that international rules, regulations, or standards regarding flight crew and maintenance personnel rest and fatigue be studied to ensure worker safety;
  • Direct the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General to audit current FAA standards and programs for whistleblowers to strengthen protections for aviation workers; 
  • Require a report that studies the role of human factors in high-risk professions, including the aviation industry, and recommend best practices to reduce the risk;
  • Require updating of guidelines for air carrier maintenance programs to improve transparency;
  • Ensure that safety data that is voluntarily provided to the Aviation Safety Action Program is protected;
  • Require a review of the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) best available technologies and standards and a timeline for adoption in the U.S.;
  • Require a minimum of 2 pilots in all part 121 air carriers providing transportation to passengers and cargo;
  • Require knowledge safety experts on any FAA advisory committee that provides recommendations on topics that impact aviation safety; and
  • Require the FAA Administrator to ensure that air carriers are prohibited from hiding information that is important for any investigations of aircraft incidents.

This legislation is endorsed by the Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations (CAPA) and original cosponsors of the bill include Representative Dina Titus (NV-01) and Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL)

Apply now to serve on the Contra Costa Aviation Advisory Committee

Monday, December 18th, 2023

By Kelly Kalfsbeek, PIO, Contra Costa County Public Works Department

Contra Costa County (County) is accepting applications for the upcoming Member at Large opening on the Aviation Advisory Committee (AAC). This position is designated for someone who works or resides in Contra Costa County to represent all County stakeholders in matters related to Buchanan Field and Byron Airports. Upon appointment by the Board of Supervisors the new appointee would serve a term expiring on Sunday, February 28, 2027.

The AAC serves as an advisory group to the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors (Board) to provide advice and recommendations to the Board on aviation matters related to the Contra Costa County Airports.  The AAC typically meets every other month at either Buchanan Field or Byron Airport.

Application forms can be obtained from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by calling (925) 655-2000 or at:  https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/3418/Appointed-Bodies-Committees-Commissions.  Applications should be submitted online or returned to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, County Administration Building, 1025 Escobar Street, 1st Floor in Martinez, no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 28, 2023.  Applicants should plan to be available for public interviews in person or via Zoom, tentatively scheduled for Monday, January 22, 2024, at 11:00 am at the County Administration Building, 1025 Escobar Street, Conference Room 110 A & B, Martinez, at the Airports Committee Meeting.

For more information on the Contra Costa County Airports or the AAC visit us at www.ContraCostaCountyAirports.org or by calling (844) Fly-ToUs or (844) 359-8687.

CCTA, Tri Delta Transit announce public-private partnership for East County 28-mile personal micro transit line

Wednesday, November 29th, 2023
Rendering of a proposed Glydways micro-transit system station. Source: CCTA

Using Glydways’ electric, autonomous vehicles holding up to 4 passengers using dedicated guideways

Will pursue regional, state, federal funds for estimated $450 million project

The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) and Tri Delta Transit are marking another milestone in the innovative East Contra Costa County Dynamic Personal Micro Transit (DPMT) Project. Today, CCTA and Tri Delta Transit are announcing a partnership with East County Connection Partners, LLC (ECCP), made up of transportation innovators Glydways and Plenary Americas, and lead construction contractor Flatiron.

DPMT is a cutting-edge technology. It provides on-demand and autonomous transportation for up to four passengers. These zero-emission electric vehicles travel in narrow, dedicated guideways to minimize the space needed to operate the system.

East County DPMT Conceptual Route Map. Source: CCTA

The DPMT Project is a 28-mile, multi-city, on-demand transit option designed to meet the diverse mobility needs of people in Eastern Contra Costa County. ECCP will help bring the vision of a safe, on-demand, single-party, transportation system into reality with its zero-emission, autonomous, four-person Glydcars. These electric vehicles travel in narrow, dedicated elevated or at-grade guideways, making more efficient use of space, substantially cutting operational costs, and providing a sustainable option that aligns with local, regional, and state emission reduction goals. The Glydcars are designed with convenience in mind, with enough space for passengers to easily travel with their luggage or bikes. The vehicles are also fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and provide enough room to comfortably fit a wheelchair.

The shuttles will be fully separated from traffic and are a closed system, autonomous, electric, public micro transit solution. They will be on a virtual rail, with tires on their own pathways. It will be near Highway 4 but not in the median.

East County DPMT proposed station locations map. Source: CCTA

This new, fare-based transit solution will help alleviate the increasing congestion on Highway 4 in East County. The project also aims to enhance transit accessibility in East County by improving connections to existing options such as BART and local bus services.     

In Spring 2021, the cities of Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley and Pittsburg completed the East County DPMT Feasibility Study (Study) to support a potential micro-transit deployment with Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) in East Contra Costa County. Subsequently, the CCTA and Tri Delta Transit partnered to evaluate the potential deployment of the East County DPMT project.  

ECCP specializes in a revolutionary on-demand public transportation system. CCTA in partnership with Tri Delta Transit, selected ECCP as the preferred vendor for the DPMT project after a comprehensive evaluation process. CCTA, Tri Delta Transit, and ECCP will work together to deliver an initial viable segment of the larger project through a unique public-private partnership (P3).

“We’re very excited about this project and believe it will significantly improve the quality of life in our community,” said CCTA Board Chair Federal Glover. “It’s a bold step towards a more sustainable and accessible future for Contra Costa.”

To actualize that future, CCTA and Tri Delta Transit determined last year that engaging a private sector partner to collaborate with would be the most beneficial strategy. The P3 approach has proven to be a highly efficient agreement, allowing for smoother delivery and deployment of transportation projects. P3s unlock the ability to quickly mobilize the resources required for state-of-the-art, effective, and sustainable transportation solutions, such as the DPMT project. 

As East Contra Costa County prepares for extensive population growth and an increasingly overburdened and congested Highway 4, DPMT offers an opportunity to relieve congestion on the freeway and local arterials.

“This partnership is a significant milestone for us,” said Tri Delta Transit Board Chair, Lamar Thorpe. “By working with ECCP, we can leverage their expertise in innovative transportation technologies to better serve East County residents.”

While CCTA and Tri Delta Transit will now need to pursue regional, state and federal funding to support the project, the announcement of this partnership is the first step in the process. The Feasibility Study included a high-level cost estimate of $450M for the conceptual alignment shown in that study. The cost estimate is subject to change as it needs to be validated as the project progresses. During SPDA Phase 1, the ECCP will work collaboratively with CCTA, Tri Delta Transit and the East County cities to select an initial viable segment. The work will include developing the cost estimate and funding plan for this initial segment.

For more information about the DPMT Project see video or visit https://ccta.net/projects/east-county-dynamic-personal-micro-transit-project/

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Traffic control on Marsh Creek Road during Bridges Replacement Project Nov. 28

Friday, November 24th, 2023
Traffic Control Work Area Map on Nov. 28, 2023. Source: CCCPWD

By Kelly Kalfsbeek, PIO, Community & Media Relations Coordinator, Contra Costa County Public Works Department

November 22, 2023, Clayton and Brentwood, CA- The Contra Costa County Public Works Department will be using traffic control on Marsh Creek Road, approximately .25 miles northwest of the intersection of Marsh Creek Road and Camino Diablo, on Tuesday November 28,2023, barring unforeseen circumstances, for work that will take place between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., weather permitting.

Traffic control is being used to ensure the safety of the travelling public during the installation of concrete girders on Bridge 145. Traffic will be stopped in both directions while the girders are being lifted into place.Delays of 15 minutes are expected.

This project is replacing two (2) bridges on Marsh Creek Road with two (2) new concrete bridges. Work is taking place on Marsh Creek Road at Bridges 143 and 145. Bridge 143 is located approximately 1.5 miles northwest of Deer Valley Road near the Clayton Palms Community. Bridge 145 is located approximately 3.0 miles east of Deer Valley Road near the road transition to Camino Diablo. Work also includes reconstruction of the bridge approach and construction of drainage facilities.

Funding for this project is provided by the federal Highway Bridge Program and local Gas Tax funds. To learn more about this project, please visit: www.contracosta.ca.gov/MCR-Bridge

About Contra Costa County Public Works Department:

Contra Costa County Public Works Department (CCCPWD) maintains over 660 miles of roads, 150 miles of streams, channels, and other drainage and over 150 County buildings throughout Contra Costa County. CCCPWD provides services such as Parks and Recreation, Sandbag Distribution and Flood Control throughout the unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County. CCCPWD operates two airports, Buchanan Field Airport in Concord, and Byron Airport in Byron. For more information about CCCPWD, please visit us at: www.cccpublicworks.org Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X @cccpublicworks.

CONTACT: Project: Matt Taliaferro, 916.969.6646

Contra Costa Transportation Authority commemorates Caldecott Tunnel Fourth Bore’s 10th anniversary

Monday, November 20th, 2023
Caldecott Tunnel Fourth Bore. Photo: CCTA

Paid for primarily by federal stimulus funds, and taxpayer-supported Measure J county sales tax and bridge toll increases

This month, the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) commemorates Caldecott Tunnel Fourth Bore’s 10 years of service alleviating congestion on Highway 24. Caldecott’s award-winning fourth bore was constructed on time and under budget at a cost of $417 million and finally allowed two permanently dedicated tunnels to service traffic in each direction. The passage was opened to traffic on November 15, 2013, successfully reducing travel times, enhancing safety for Caltrans maintenance workers, and improving mobility for those driving from east Contra Costa County to Oakland and San Francisco. 

Caldecott Tunnel Fourth Bore funding. Source: CCTA

At the time of the groundbreaking on January 22, 2010, the shovel-ready Fourth Bore was the largest American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 stimulus funding in the nation of $194.3 million, a testament to the regional importance of the project and the hard work of the project team. Contra Costa County’s Measure J provided $125 million, the Bay Area Regional Measure 2 Bridge Toll increase provided $44.8 million, and the state provided $19.9 million.

“Ten years ago, we opened the fourth bore with much anticipated fanfare,” CCTA Chair Federal Glover said. “Many drivers today don’t remember when Caltrans workers had to shift the middle bore direction at least twice a day to provide lanes for peak commuters.  On some weekdays the direction of the middle bore could change up to six times, which was so inefficient for the 160,000 daily drivers who used the Caldecott each day and unsafe for the workers who were responsible for changing lanes.” 

Prior to the tunnel opening, Caltrans reported westbound motorists experienced 52,585 vehicle hours of delay a month. After the fourth bore opened in 2013, the vehicle hours of delay dropped to 12,020 – a 77 percent improvement. CCTA 2023 data shows a continued reduction in delays compared to 2013 data compiled before the tunnel opened. Eastbound delays show a 42 percent reduction of vehicle hours of delay, while westbound delays show an 80 percent improvement – meaning fewer hours drivers waste sitting in traffic. (See Fourth Bore Project Fact Sheet)

Officials and CCTA staff gather for the Caldecott Tunnel Fourth Bore ribbon cutting on Nov. 15, 2013. Photo: CCTA

“The Caldecott Tunnel Fourth Bore is a remarkable project that has served Bay Area drivers well since 2013,” CCTA Executive Director Timothy Haile said. “CCTA’s landmark project will continue to be a legacy for decades to come.”

About the Contra Costa Transportation Authority

The Contra Costa Transportation  Authority (CCTA) is a public agency formed by Contra Costa voters in 1988 to manage  the county’s transportation sales tax program and oversee countywide transportation  planning efforts. With a staff of twenty people managing a multi-billion-dollar suite of  projects and programs, CCTA is responsible for planning, funding and delivering  transportation infrastructure projects and programs throughout the County. CCTA also serves as the county’s designated Congestion Management Agency, responsible for putting programs in place to manage traffic levels. More information about CCTA is available at ccta.net.  

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

MTC, Lyft announce plans to grow, improve Bay Wheels Regional Bikeshare System

Friday, November 17th, 2023
Photo by Joey Kotfica

Lower prices, thousands more e-bikes and 55 mew stations

By John Goodwin & Laura Krull, Metropolitan Transportation Commission

The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and Lyft announced on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, a drop in both annual membership prices for the Bay Area’s Bay Wheels regional bikeshare program and members’ e-bike usage fees, as well as the addition of more than 2,000 next generation e-bikes to the Bay Wheels fleet and the rollout of 55 additional docking stations in San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, Berkeley and Emeryville. These measures are aimed at improving Bay Wheels’ long-term sustainability by growing ridership and reducing operational costs. 

Beginning today, the cost of an annual Bay Wheels membership will drop to $150 from $169 and the cost for members to use a Bay Wheels e-bike will drop to 15 cents per minute from 20 cents per minute. In addition, monthly members will now automatically transition to an annual membership at no additional cost when they renew for five consecutive months. MTC next year will launch a pilot program to provide reduced-cost annual memberships for Bay Area college students.

“Bikesharing, and e-bikes in particular, play a central role in our Plan Bay Area 2050 strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” explained MTC Chair and Napa County Supervisor Alfredo Pedroza. “The Commission this year committed $20 million of federal climate investment money to promote the use of e-bikes for more of the short trips Bay Area residents make each day. These improvements to the Bay Wheels system are a big part of that commitment.” 

The expansion of Bay Wheels’ e-bike fleet will begin this week in San Jose and San Francisco, with the addition of e-bikes to Bay Wheels locations in Oakland, Berkeley and Emeryville expected to begin in the coming months, pending local approval. E-bikes’ ability to climb hills, travel longer distances, and attract riders of varying physical abilities have made them a transformational mobility option for Bay Area residents and visitors alike. 

“E-bikes are perfect for San Francisco — they make our steep hills flat. We’re grateful to MTC and Lyft for helping make e-bikes more accessible to more people,” said Jeff Tumlin, SFMTA Director of Transportation. 

Bay Wheels’ existing e-bikes are used three times as often as classic pedal bikes. The system’s new generation e-bikes have double the battery life, a more powerful motor for going uphill, improved stability and ergonomics, and better theft deterrents. These new bikes will exclusively dock in stations to improve predictability and availability for riders.

“I’m thrilled that Lyft and MTC are helping San Jose expand access to alternative modes of transportation in our growing downtown,” said Mayor Matt Mahan. “E-bikes are a fun and affordable way to get around the city and they have the wonderful benefit of reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions.”

“We are ready and eager to help make MTC’s plan a reality to strengthen Bay Wheels and benefit the regional transportation network,” said Caroline Samponaro, Vice President of Transit and Micromobility Public Policy at Lyft. “Our shared goal is get more people to choose bikes for their transportation needs and we’re taking action on the three things that will make the greatest impact: lower prices for members, new hill-climbing e-bikes and a more robust station network.” 

To enhance the growth of Bay Wheels’ e-bike fleet, MTC and Lyft are piloting grid-connected charging stations using Lyft’s next generation station technology. Electrified stations improve e-bike availability for riders by increasing the number of bikes with sufficient battery charge and making operations more efficient. E-bike batteries currently are charged in a warehouse and manually swapped at the station.

MTC is the transportation planning, financing and coordinating agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area. Launched in 2017, Bay Wheels is the Bay Area’s regional bikeshare program with over 6,000 bicyles  —  both pedal-powered and pedal-assist electrict bikes — at more than 500 stations in San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley and Emeryville. Lyft operates the Bay Wheels program under a contract managed by MTC. 

MTC approves $776.2 million emergency transit operations funding plan from Senate Bill 125

Thursday, November 16th, 2023
Photo: Tri Delta Transit

Includes $741,000 for Tri Delta Transit, $352 million for BART

Funding distribution still is subject to state approval

The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, approved an emergency transit operations funding plan that, if approved by the state, will use state and regional funds for transit operations to address Bay Area transit agencies’ most dire funding shortfalls and help them avoid service cuts. 

Today’s action by the Commission approves the principles informing the funding distribution, the funding distribution framework, and regional accountability measures for funding from the Transit and Intercity Rail Program (TIRCP), Zero-Emission Transit Capital Program (ZETCP), and various regional funding sources according to the guidelines described in Senate Bill (SB) 125. The resolution also makes the transit agency boards’ acceptance of the accountability guidelines a requirement for receiving the funds. The actual distribution of the funds is subject to the submittal of these documents to the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) and CalSTA’s approval of the documents.

Distribution amounts will be reassessed annually to respond to changing conditions, and the disbursement of operating funds will be contingent upon transit agencies meeting or making significant progress toward a set of accountability requirements, including customer experience and efficiency enhancements. 

For all agencies receiving emergency operating money, the accountability requirements will include participation in ongoing Transit Transformation Action Plan initiatives, and implementation of schedule coordination and real-time transit data improvements. Other accountability requirements are specific to individual operators and focus on safety and security, fare evasion reduction, and comprehensive service improvements.

Under this plan, MTC will contribute an additional $300 million in regional funds to help address the funding shortfall and to keep transit operational. 

MTC will distribute funds according to the following framework:

MTC will distribute funds according to this framework.
AgencyFY24-25FY25-26Total ($)Total (%)
SFMTA$99,477$209,328$308,80540%
BART$58,211$293,837$352,04845%
AC Transit$4,000$28,569$32,5694%
Caltrain$0$25,449$25,4493%
Golden Gate Transit$2,838$38,263$41,1015%
Other Operators$4,661$9,574$14,2352%
ACE$1,777$1,829$3,605n/a
ECCTA (Tri Delta Transit)$503$238$741n/a
LAVTA$897$1,392$2,289n/a
NVTA$1,485$966$2,450n/a
SolTrans$0$2,036$2,036n/a
WestCAT$0$3,113$3,113n/a
Regional Network Management$2,000$0$2,0000%
Bay Area Total$171,187$605,020$776,207100%

Amounts shown in thousands ($1,000)

In June, Gov. Newsom signed into law California’s fiscal 2023-24 state budget, which includes $1.1 billion in flexible transportation funding to help support transit operations. The state investment will help transit agencies avoid a near-term ‘fiscal cliff’ that has resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic and associated changes in travel patterns and that likely would have led to deep service cuts as early as this year by Muni, BART and other agencies whose fare revenues remain well below pre-pandemic levels.

SB 125 also requires that MTC collect and summarize data from transit operators on a variety of topics, including expenditures on safety, opportunities for enhanced coordination and improvements, and monthly ridership statistics. MTC by June 30, 2026, must submit a Long-Term Financial Plan that demonstrates the implementation of ridership recovery strategies and provides a five-year operating funding outlook.

In order to meet the December 31, 2023, deadline to submit materials to CalSTA, staff will return to the Commission in December to request adoption of the Short-Term Financial Plan. MTC will receive FY2023-24 SB 125 funds no later than April 30, 2024, and will be eligible to receive FY2024-25 funds early in that fiscal year, pending CalSTA’s review of MTC’s allocation package.

Avoid travel headaches: Check 511 during APEC 2023 Summit Nov. 13-19

Sunday, November 12th, 2023
Photos: MTC

Two lanes of Bay Bridge will be closed.

Various ramps and ped/bike path closures scheduled along I-80 and U.S. 101 in San Francisco due to Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation 2023 Summit

Information from MTC, CalTrans & CHP

People traveling to, from and within San Francisco next week can expect heavy congestion and traffic delays; transit reroutes, delays and crowding; and reduced or inconvenient pedestrian and bicycle access during the Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2023 Summit taking place in the city from Monday, Nov. 13, through Sunday, Nov. 19. 

APEC is expected to draw more than 20,000 people, including heads of state and dignitaries from over 20 member economies, to downtown San Francisco. MTC encourages people to avoid traveling to San Francisco next week if possible. For those who must travel to or through the city, MTC encourages them to ride transit and to visit 511.org for critical travel alerts related to street closures and transportation delays. 

 In cooperation with the California Highway Patrol, and in coordination with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, Caltrans is implementing enhanced safety measures throughout our highway systems in and around San Francisco during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2023 summit starting Wednesday, November 15. The U.S. Secret Service recently designated the APEC summit as a National Special Security Event, requiring heightened security measures in and around the city of San Francisco.

Closures: At the request of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, Caltrans will be implementing the following closures to ensure the safety and security of all attendees and residents:

San Francisco / Oakland Bay Bridge

Closures of #1 (left) lane on Eastbound I-80 and #5 (right) lane on Westbound I-80

o Tuesday, November 14 through Friday, November 17, 2023.

o 4 Day Closure, beginning 11/14 at 5:00 AM, ending 11/17 at 9:00 PM.

o Controlled access to Bay Bridge Ped/Bike Path.

o No impacts to transit bus services.

o Treasure Island on-/off-ramps, Fremont Street off-ramp remain open.

Closures of 4th Street off-ramp from Eastbound I-80 and 5th Street off-ramp from Westbound I-80

o Wednesday, November 15 through Friday, November 17, 2023.

o 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Daily).

Closure of NB U.S. 101 Dana Bowers Vista Point off-ramp

o Tuesday, November 14 through Saturday, November 18 (Five Day Closure).

o No access to Dana Bowers Vista Point for vehicles, bicycles, or pedestrians.

o Golden Gate Bridge Pedestrian Path closed at north end of bridge; no pedestrian access from Marin County.

o Bicycle Path on west side of bridge to remain open between Marin County and San Francisco.

California Highway Patrol officers will be present to enforce these closures. We understand that these closures may cause temporary inconvenience, but they are essential to ensure the safety and security of this significant event and to promote immediacy and availability for emergency response. We encourage you to plan your travels, accordingly, allow extra time for your commute, and consider using alternative routes or public transportation during this period. Your patience and cooperation are greatly appreciated as we work to ensure the success of the APEC 2023 summit and the safety of our community.

Muni will reroute several transit lines from Nov. 13-19, and Muni Metro T-Third service will be suspended. For more details, visit SFMTA’s APEC information page. BART, Caltrain and the San Francisco Bay Ferry do not anticipate any major APEC-related impacts to their services.

For the Golden Gate Bridge, the Dana Bowers Vista Point off-ramp from northbound U.S. 101 will be closed from Nov. 14-18. There will be no access to the Vista Point for vehicles, bicyclists or pedestrians. The Golden Gate Bridge Pedestrian Path will be closed at north end of bridge, and there will be no pedestrian access from Marin County.

Most APEC activities will take place in the South of Market and Nob Hill neighborhoods. Due to the scale of the gathering, APEC also may create travel impacts on travel in other areas. People should expect a range of street impacts in and around the United States Secret Service security zones (Vehicle Exclusion Zones)(link is external) established for the conference and conference-related events. Pedestrians will be banned from APEC security zones unless they live or work there; and bicycles, whether traditional or e-bikes, also will be barred.

For 24/7 traffic updates, please visit 511.org: https://twitter.com/511SFBay.  MTC operates 511 in partnership with Caltrans, the California Highway Patrol and other transportation agencies.

For real-time traffic, click on Caltrans QuickMap: http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/