San Francisco Sun

San Francisco, CA – Mayor London N. Breed has announced that the city will receive $36 million in grants from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) to support infrastructure projects aimed at improving transit and street safety. The funding comes from the Housing Incentive Pool Grants, which are designed to encourage the production and preservation of affordable housing.

The City of San Francisco was awarded $35.8 million after constructing 2,981 qualifying affordable housing units between 2018 and 2022. This funding will be allocated to various infrastructure improvements such as new traffic signals on Lincoln Way, enhancements on Folsom and Howard Streets, streetscape changes on Powell Street, and upgrades to the West Side Bridges on Yerba Buena Island (YBI). Additionally, funds will be used to enhance the city's bus fleet for more reliable transit services.

Mayor London Breed stated, "This funding is essential to continue our work in making transit more reliable and our streets safer for all." She emphasized efforts like maintaining buses, improving bike lanes, and installing traffic signals as key measures for enhancing transit efficiency and safety.

Sunset District Supervisor Joel Engardio highlighted local benefits: "I know the traffic headaches and transit delays down Lincoln Way and into Golden Gate Park are a significant quality of life issue for westside residents," he said. "This critical funding for infrastructure improvements will help Sunset and Richmond residents get where they need to go."

Jeff Tumlin, SFMTA Director of Transportation expressed gratitude for the grant: “We’re so grateful for this capital grant because it allows us to continue funding critical safety and economic recovery projects even as we work to close the gap in our operating budget.”

The Lincoln Way Traffic Signal Improvements project involves constructing new signals at intersections along Lincoln Avenue to alleviate vehicle delays while enhancing pedestrian access. The Folsom-Howard Streetscape Project aims at improving bicycle facilities with additional streetscape features. Powell Street Improvement Project plans include revitalizing pedestrian environments with wider sidewalks and improved lighting.

For Yerba Buena Island's West Side Bridges Multi-Use Path project, construction includes retaining walls necessary for future path development offering safety benefits. Lastly, New Flyer Midlife Overhaul Phase I focuses on maintaining Muni buses per manufacturer recommendations ensuring operational reliability across San Francisco's public transport system.