The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) has partnered with San Francisco Department of Public Works (SFPW) to enhance safety and accessibility for those traveling along Powell Street, between Ellis Street and Post Street.
Powell Street is a critical entry corridor into Union Square. Every day, thousands of employees and visitors exit BART and Muni at Powell Street Station, come up through Hallidie Plaza, and head north, alongside San Francisco's iconic cable cars into the heart of the Union Square District.
The project includes critical upgrades to enhance safety and accessibility at Powell & Geary, Powell & O’Farrell, and Powell & Ellis:
- Traffic signal improvements to increase safety through upgraded traffic signals, signal timing, and new accessible pedestrian signals (APS).
- Additional street lighting to allow for better visibility for pedestrians and drivers in the roadway.
- New curb ramps to provide better sidewalk accessibility for those with mobility challenges and others who use mobility devices.
Construction for the Powell Street Safety Project will begin March 2025 with completion expected in Spring 2026.
- Implementation / Construction
The construction work will be performed at:
1. Ellis Street at Powell Street
2. O’Farrell Street at Powell Street
3. Geary Street at Powell Street
4. Post Street at Powell Street – rebuild of cable car island
During construction,
- No parking barricades or signage will be posted at least 72-hours before work begins to alert motorists of parking restrictions.
- Work hours for construction typically Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- NO PARKING tow-away goes into effect at 8:00 A.M.
- Please expect minor traffic impacts, parking restrictions, and pedestrian routing.