San Francisco, CA — Mayor London N. Breed and Supervisor Aaron Peskin joined community leaders and City officials today for a ceremonial groundbreaking to mark the start of construction on the second phase of the Jefferson Streetscape Improvements Project, which will enhance pedestrian safety and beautify the popular Fisherman’s Wharf corridor.

The $16.3 million streetscape project runs along three blocks of Jefferson Street from Jones Street to Powell Street. The project includes numerous changes improving the experience for those walking or biking, including widened sidewalks, new lighting and landscaping, and expanded seating and bicycle parking. The street will also be narrowed and include textured paving to help calm traffic. The improvements support the vision set out in the Fisherman’s Wharf Public Realm Plan. The first phase of the project covered the two blocks of Jefferson Street from Hyde Street to Jones Street and was completed in June 2013.

“We are excited to begin the next phase of these important changes to Jefferson Street to make this area safer, more inviting, and pedestrian focused,” said Mayor Breed. “Fisherman’s Wharf is a unique destination and this project will create a better street experience for locals and visitors from around the world.”

Construction of the project is managed by San Francisco Public Works and is anticipated to be completed by fall 2020. The project will be constructed in phases to minimize construction impacts in the neighborhood, starting with work focused at the intersection of Jefferson and Jones streets, followed by work along the north side of Jefferson, then along the south side of Jefferson.

“This is the culmination of over a decade of effort to ensure that Fisherman’s Wharf remains a vital economic engine and draw for locals and visitors from around the world,” said Supervisor Aaron Peskin. “Since 2006, we’ve cobbled together millions of public dollars to turn this into a model pedestrian promenade. The Wharf welcomes millions of visitors and workers every year who will finally see this last stretch of Jefferson Street become much safer and more beautiful.”

To make room for the safety improvements and widened sidewalks, parking along Jefferson Street between Jones and Powell Streets will be removed.

“We have worked closely with multiple City departments and with the community to design something that will truly benefit everyone who visits, works and lives in the area,” said Director of Public Works, Mohammed Nuru. “Not only will we create a safer street, there will be more room on the sidewalks to welcome more tourists to the neighborhood.”

The project is a multiagency collaboration involving San Francisco Public Works, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, San Francisco Planning, the San Francisco County Transportation Authority and the Port of San Francisco.

“The Port of San Francisco is excited to work with our city and community partners to bring the vision and plans of the Fisherman’s Wharf Public Realm Plan to fruition,” said Elaine Forbes, Executive Director of the Port of San Francisco. “This project will make Fisherman’s Wharf more accessible and inviting for tourists and residents alike; solidifying its special place in San Francisco.”

Randall Scott, Executive Director of the Fisherman’s Wharf Community Benefit District, which has been instrumental in the re-envisioning of this important corridor said, “We look forward to working closely with Public Works and the community throughout this process and look forward to a safer and more welcoming Jefferson Street for all San Franciscans.”

“The Jefferson Streetscape Improvements Project elevates safety with specially designed pavement patterns and narrowed travel lanes, to promote traffic calming throughout the corridor,” said Tom Maguire, Interim Director of Transportation for the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency.

Starting today and continuing for the duration of construction, Muni’s E-Embarcadero and F‑Market and Wharves historic streetcars will turn back at Pier 39. A shuttle bus will operate in a loop to serve missed stops on the remaining four blocks.

The project is funded in part by the California State SB1 Gas Tax, the San Francisco Public Works’ General Fund for Streetscape and Paving Program, the SFMTA Transportation and Road Improvement General Obligation Bond, Prop K sales tax revenue, and the San Francisco Port’s General Fund.

Additional project information can be found at www.sfpublicworks.org/jefferson.

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