Sections of Highway 101 in San Francisco are scheduled for full weekend closures over the next two months as the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) conducts repaving work. Officials are urging drivers to "stay far away" and plan accordingly.
The repaving project covers approximately 2 miles of the busy highway between Cesar Chavez Street and the Mission District. The northbound lanes will be closed from September 4-7, coinciding with the Labor Day weekend, and again from September 18-21. Following these closures, the southbound lanes will shut down for 55 hours starting Friday, October 2, with another closure on Saturday, October 17.
Caltrans spokesperson stated that advance notice is intended to help people plan their travel and consider public transportation. "We want to make sure folks know in advance to plan early and, if possible, to use public transportation," the spokesperson said.
During the September closures, a detour is in place directing drivers to exit at Cesar Chavez Street and proceed via Potrero Avenue through the Mission District. Local businesses and residents in the area have been informed of potential traffic increases on Potrero Avenue. An alternative route suggested is to take Interstate 280 toward the Bay Bridge.
Despite the anticipated heavy travel, especially during the holiday weekend, transportation officials have identified these dates as optimal for the repaving work. The department cited weather dependency, noting that summer conditions are best for the pavement to cure properly without moisture or rain.
Infrastructural improvements on this segment of U.S. 101 have been underway since the fall of the previous year. Most recently, a drainage system was installed to help prevent flooding. The entire project, which includes planned upgrades to the stretch of highway south of Cesar Chavez Street extending to Candlestick Point State Recreation Area, is expected to continue until 2028.