San Francisco traffic nightmare? Stretch of eastbound I-80 to close this weekend – East Bay Times

Eastbound Interstate 80 will be closed through parts of San Francisco over the weekend as construction crews work to rehabilitation the highway’s structure and bridge deck, officials said.

The closure, which will span the freeway from 17th Street to 4th Street, will begin at 11 p.m. Friday and last until 6 a.m. Monday, according to a news release from Caltrans.

“Motorists are strongly urged to stay away from this section of I‑80 for the entire weekend,” Caltrans said. “Significant congestion and travel delays are expected across SoMa, Mission Bay, and surrounding corridors. Consider using public transportation. If driving is necessary, expect heavy delays and allow extra travel time.”

Motorists will not be allowed to traverse the 1.6 mile stretch of the freeway and are encouraged to instead use public transportation, officials said. The final exit for eastbound motorists before the I-80 closure will be at Vermont Street. Drivers who miss that exit will need to exit Highway 101 at 9th Street, travel on Bryant Street and reenter the freeway at 5th Street.

The connector ramps from the northbound and southbound Highway 101 to I-80 will also be closed, officials added. The Bay Bridge will remain open.

The detours are expected to create heavier traffic on streets in the area of 17th, 9th, 10th, 5th and 4th streets, as well as freeways that enter San Francisco. The work will also involve noise and light during the day and night.

The construction comes as part of a two-year freeway rehabilitation project focused on the Central and Bayshore freeways, officials said. Those freeways are 71 years old and support thousands of vehicles each day.

“With constant exposure to heavy traffic loads, weather, and seismic demands, the structures require timely rehabilitation to prevent further deterioration,” Caltrans said. “Performing this work now allows Caltrans to address critical maintenance needs, preserve the existing infrastructure, and ensure continued safety for motorists, commuters, pedestrians, and cyclists traveling through and beneath the structures.”