Fulton Street serves as a vital transportation artery in San Francisco’s Richmond District, bordering the iconic Golden Gate Park. This bustling corridor is heavily utilized by pedestrians, cyclists, and commuters alike, providing essential access to the park and facilitating daily travel. The street is also a crucial transit hub, accommodating two of Muni’s most frequented routes: the 5 Fulton and 5R Fulton Rapid. These routes collectively served over 22,000 daily riders before the pandemic, and ridership has rebounded to over 15,000 recently, underscoring the importance of efficient Fulton Street Transit.
The Fulton Street Safety and Transit Project is a comprehensive initiative designed to improve both safety and accessibility for all users of Fulton Street. A primary objective is to create a safer and more seamless connection between the Richmond District and Golden Gate Park. The project also aims to reduce travel times for the heavily used 5 and 5R Muni lines and streamline the boarding process for passengers, making fulton street transit a more appealing and efficient option.
Beyond this focused project, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) is committed to ongoing enhancements to Fulton Street through various programs.
Vision Zero Toolkit Implementation
As part of the city’s Vision Zero commitment to eliminate traffic fatalities, Fulton Street is receiving upgrades via the Vision Zero Toolkit. By the end of 2024, continental crosswalks and advanced limit lines will be implemented on high-injury sections of Fulton Street. Other Vision Zero tools, such as leading pedestrian intervals, reduced walk speeds at traffic signals, and daylighting, have already been successfully deployed. These measures collectively enhance pedestrian safety and contribute to a more secure fulton street transit environment.
Speed Limit Reduction
Recognizing the importance of speed management for safety, SFMTA conducted a speed limit evaluation on Fulton Street in the summer of 2024. Following this assessment, the speed limit between Arguello Boulevard and La Playa Street was reduced from 30 mph to 25 mph. New speed limit signs reflecting this change were installed in October 2024, promoting safer conditions for all fulton street transit users and local residents.
Automated Speed Enforcement Deployment
To further combat speeding, automated speed enforcement cameras are planned for Fulton Street. Proposed for two locations in the Richmond District – between Arguello Boulevard and 2nd Avenue, and between 42nd and 43rd avenues – these cameras are expected to be operational by early 2025. Speed safety cameras are a proven method for deterring excessive speeding and decreasing the incidence of severe traffic collisions, contributing to safer fulton street transit corridors.
Traffic Signal Enhancements
To improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety, new traffic signals are slated for installation at Fulton Street and 4th and 39th avenues. Construction is anticipated to begin in fall 2025. These new signals will bridge gaps between existing signals, providing safer, signalized crossings for pedestrians and discouraging speeding, thus enhancing the overall efficiency and safety of fulton street transit.
Furthermore, traffic signal upgrades are in the design phase for Fulton Street at 30th and 36th avenues. These upgrades, expected to be completed in 2026, will focus on improving signal visibility with mast arms and enhancing pedestrian signals, further optimizing fulton street transit operations and pedestrian safety.
In conclusion, SFMTA’s multifaceted approach to Fulton Street improvements, encompassing safety projects, speed management, and traffic signal upgrades, demonstrates a strong commitment to enhancing fulton street transit. These projects aim to create a safer, more accessible, and efficient transportation corridor for all users, ensuring Fulton Street continues to serve as a vital link within the Richmond District and to Golden Gate Park.
