Beginning Saturday, August 25th, Muni Metro service returns to the K, L, and M lines with full train service at both West Portal and Forest Hill stations. After two months of construction, the 100 year old Twin Peaks Tunnel project plans to reopen on schedule. Crews are finalizing the last round of testing and expect to return running the K, L and M through the tunnel on Saturday morning. The Nx will resume service on Monday, August 27th.
“We are very thankful to our Muni riders, construction crews, neighbors, operators and SFMTA staff,” said Director of Transportation, Ed Reiskin. “Your patience and dedication to this project mean we all have new tracks and a safer, more reliable, Twin Peaks Tunnel for everyone to enjoy.”
As part of this project, the tunnel's infrastructure including the tracks, walls and drainage systems were updated to keep up with the demands of the Muni system. With new tracks, the tunnel’s previous speed restriction will be lifted and will keep trains running reliably through the system. Seismic reinforcements and fire safety enhancements were completed to better protect the tunnel’s overall structure and stability.
Four new track crossovers were installed in the tunnel that will allow the train to switch from one track to the other during delays and can assist improving overall train operations by adding flexibility to our system.
When service resumes, two-car trains will continue to run the entire length of the K/T line permanently. Two-car K/T’s will operate for the length of 3rd Street and in the tunnel, increasing capacity on Third Street and in the Muni Metro tunnel. More train cars means less crowding and more room for passengers. For more information, visit the webpage.
Later this fall after the tunnel is operational again, there will be two more planned weekend overnight closures to West Portal, Forest Hill, Castro and Church stations. These closures will only be in effect at night -- when ridership is low -- and are scheduled from approximately 11:59 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. on two Friday/Saturday and Saturday/Sunday nights still to be determined. Bus shuttles will be provided while these additional electrical upgrades are done.
For more information on this project, visit our webpage.