Project Frequently Asked Questions
Would this proposal remove all traffic from West Portal Ave?
No. The proposal restricts certain traffic movements on West Portal Avenue and Ulloa Street while continuing to provide access on each block. The proposal would change West Portal Avenue from two lanes of private vehicles in each direction to one lane in each direction between Ulloa and Vicente streets.
What are the proposal’s parking impacts?
The project proposal would retain the vast majority of parking in the area. All parking on West Portal Avenue would remain. The only changes to parking currently proposed are:
- The removal of up to six part-time loading/part-time parking spaces on Ulloa Street east of West Portal Avenue to accommodate bus stop and terminal space. We have heard feedback from businesses on this block of Ulloa Street about the challenges this would create for their loading and access needs and will be investigating other potential locations for bus stop and terminal needs.
- Converting two general parking spaces on Lenox Way to parking for SFMTA operations vehicles.
Can you add a traffic signal at West Portal Avenue and Ulloa Street?
The SFMTA has analyzed a traffic signal in this location previously and do not recommend one. Because of the complexity of the intersection, we found it would increase delay for all users because the length of the traffic signal cycle (the total amount of time the traffic signal needs to show each movement their green light) would be about twice as long as a typical traffic signal cycle in San Francisco. When we implement traffic signals with significantly longer cycle lengths, we tend to find that they result in lower pedestrian and driver compliance, which would work against any potential safety benefits.
How will this proposal affect deliveries to West Portal businesses?
Proposed transit lanes in this area are proposed to be designated for transit and commercial vehicles. While general traffic would not be allowed to travel on westbound Ulloa Street past Claremont Boulevard, commercial vehicles would still be able to. This would allow commercial loading in front of the businesses on the northside of Ulloa Street between Claremont Boulevard and West Portal Avenue. This block could also be used for commercial vehicles to make westbound left turns to access the west side of the 100 block of West Portal Avenue.
Why don’t you create a car-free street on West Portal?
If there is interest from the community in a bolder transformation to West Portal Avenue such as prohibiting private vehicles on West Portal Avenue between Ulloa Street and Vicente Street, this would require a longer-term process to consider areawide traffic circulation impacts and identify solutions for necessary vehicle traffic. This near-term project is moving forward quickly to rapidly respond to the tragic collision at the request of Mayor Breed and Supervisor Melgar. However, a more major change to the street merits a longer public process.