For daily commuters relying on the 22 Fillmore bus line, serving over 20,000 riders, navigating 16th Street used to be a slow journey, at times crawling at less than 4 miles per hour. Recognizing this, the 16th Street Improvement Project was launched to transform this vital corridor. This community-informed initiative focused on making the 22 Fillmore service faster, safer, more accessible, and more dependable. Through strategic upgrades, including transit-only lanes, transit bulbs, updated traffic signals, pedestrian signals, and refreshed streetscape amenities, Mission 16th Street has undergone a significant positive change. This project is a key component of Muni Forward, San Francisco’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the transit experience both on and off the bus.
Project Overview: A Two-Phased Transformation
The 16th Street Improvement Project was strategically divided into two phases to minimize disruption and efficiently manage construction. Phase one, stretching from Potrero Avenue to 3rd Street, was successfully completed in 2020. Following this, phase two, encompassing the area between Church Street and Potrero Avenue, concluded in 2023. Looking ahead, the addition of distinctive red transit-only lanes is scheduled for the latter half of 2024, marking a further enhancement to the project’s scope.
The project was guided by several key objectives, all aimed at significantly improving the mission 16th street corridor:
- Enhance the reliability and reduce travel time for the 18,000 daily riders of the 22 Fillmore by approximately 25% within the project area.
- Improve overall safety on 16th Street for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike.
- Upgrade the bicycle route connecting Mission to Mission Bay, creating a more seamless and safer cycling experience.
- Modernize aging sewer infrastructure, and in Phase 1 east of Potrero Avenue, incorporate improvements to the water infrastructure.
- Facilitate the introduction of zero-emission transit service, linking the rapidly growing Mission Bay neighborhood with the Mission District.
To maximize the use of public funds and lessen construction impacts, the project also included the replacement of aging underground water lines (Phase 1, 16th Street from Potrero Avenue to 3rd Street only) and sewer lines. To enable zero-emission transit service to Mission Bay, the overhead contact system (OCS) powering trolley buses on 16th Street was extended from Kansas Street to Third Street. This extension directly supported the expansion of the 22 Fillmore route into Mission Bay. Complementing these efforts, new bike lanes were added to 17th Street, establishing a continuous and improved bike route between Mission Bay and the Mission District.
Key Improvements & Benefits for Mission 16th Street
The 16th Street Improvement Project has delivered tangible benefits, enhancing the daily experience for residents and commuters in the mission 16th street area.
Enhanced Transit Reliability and Speed
The introduction of dedicated transit lanes is a game-changer, allowing buses to effectively bypass traffic congestion, significantly reducing delays and ensuring a smoother, quicker ride for passengers. Bus bulbs, or sidewalk extensions at bus stops, provide more boarding space and enable passengers to board and alight swiftly without requiring buses to pull out of the traffic lane. Strategic adjustments to bus stop locations, including the removal of closely spaced stops and relocating others to the far side of intersections, further contribute to improved travel times and service reliability along mission 16th street.
Safer Streets for Everyone
Safety enhancements are a cornerstone of the project. Pedestrian bulbs, sidewalk extensions at intersection corners, shorten crossing distances for pedestrians and naturally encourage vehicles to make turns at slower, safer speeds. The installation of new high-visibility crosswalks increases pedestrian visibility, alerting drivers and enhancing safety for those crossing mission 16th street.
Streetscape Upgrades and Revitalization
Beyond functional improvements, the project has beautified the entire corridor. New trees, landscaping, and unique sidewalk designs contribute to a more attractive and welcoming public space. Fresh bus shelters, adorned with locally themed images, offer improved amenities for transit users. Critically, the project replaced unhealthy or hazardous trees, increasing the tree canopy with a net gain of 101 new trees along mission 16th street, significantly enhancing the urban environment.
Utility Modernization for Long-Term Reliability
Integrating utility upgrades within the 16th Street Improvement Project demonstrates a commitment to efficient resource management and minimizing community disruption. In collaboration with the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), aging sewer mains were replaced from Dolores Street to South Van Ness Avenue. These essential upgrades ensure the long-term reliability of critical infrastructure serving the mission 16th street area.
Background: Muni Forward and City-Wide Transit Improvements
The 16th Street Improvement Project originated from the Transportation Effectiveness Program (TEP), now known as Muni Forward, a comprehensive initiative focused on enhancing San Francisco’s Muni system. Initially named the “22 Fillmore Transit Priority Project,” it was conceived as part of a broader network of planned improvements aimed at boosting the reliability, speed, and overall effectiveness of the Muni system. Muni Forward adopts a holistic, system-wide approach, recognizing that efficient city-wide transit relies on optimizing key, high-demand routes like the 22 Fillmore to better serve riders and the entire transportation network. The improvements to mission 16th street are a vital part of this larger vision for a more efficient and rider-friendly Muni system.
