Construction FAQs
Construction
What is the accelerated construction schedule?
Under the accelerated schedule, preconstruction activities began in summer 2009. Native plant and seed gathering and salvage is complete, tree removal is 98% complete, and utility relocation is underway. Construction of the new roadway began in December 2009, adjacent to the existing facility.
What is the construction sequence?
Construction will initially begin on the western section of the project corridor. However, by early 2010, construction is expected to be occurring throughout the span of the corridor and will continue through 2013. Traffic will remain on the existing roadway through 2011, then transfer onto the temporary detour until construction of the final roadway is complete in 2013.
View the construction areas overview
Why are no soundwalls planned along the alignment during construction?
The environmental document studied noise barriers near residences along Storey Avenue, Armistead Road, Officer Family Housing and Lyon Street. The study concluded that a noise barrier at all but one of these locations was infeasible according to Caltrans protocol. A soundwall would be feasible at Armistead Road; however, it was determined that a soundwall at this location would be inconsistent with the natural and cultural landscape and the benefits would not outweigh the negative effects.
What is the construction schedule?
Preconstruction activities began in summer 2009. Native plant and seed gathering and salvage is complete, tree removal is 98% complete, and utility relocation is underway. Construction began in December 2009, including construction of the temporary detour on the eastern end of the project. Traffic is expected to be transferred onto the completed detour in 2011. Traffic is expected to be on the final roadway in 2013. Landscaping will commence upon completion of construction.
View the construction schedule
What are the expected hours of construction?
Hours of construction have not been finalized. The following work hours are being considered, but could be expanded for critical path activities required to expedite project completion.
- 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (Mon.-Fri.)
- 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Sat.)
- Limited Sunday work
- Occasional night work
Native Seed and Plant Collection and Tree Removal
Why is tree removal necessary?
In order to construct the Doyle Drive Replacement, remove the old roadway and create space for construction equipment and materials, the construction team must carefully clear and grade the construction site.
Although tree removal will result in a significant visual change, the Tree Removal and Projection Plan has been carefully developed in collaboration with experts and the Presidio Trust to remove only the trees necessary and protect the surrounding area. Furthermore, the eventual replacement of existing trees with young, healthy and more diverse trees will help improve this man-made forest in the long term.
What is the plan for replanting and landscaping after construction is complete?
Native plants and seeds were collected prior to tree removal and construction. Those seeds are being grown in the Presidio Nursery and will be reused in the post-construction landscaping plan and wetlands mitigation.
Traffic
What will the major traffic patterns be during construction?
PHASE I : Late 2009-Early 2011
- Traffic on Existing Road
- Construction adjacent to existing roadway
3-Day Weekend Closure of Doyle Drive #1: 2011
- Purpose: To transfer traffic onto the temporary detour
PHASE II : 2011-2013
- Traffic on new Roadway and Temporary Detour
- Construction of new roadway and deconstruction of existing Doyle Drive
3-Day Weekend Closure of Doyle Drive #2: 2013
- Purpose: To transfer traffic onto the final roadway
MAJOR CONSTRUCTION COMPLETE : 2013
- Traffic on Final Roadway
- Construction complete
Please check back for more details regarding traffic during construction.
How will traffic flow during construction?
During Phase I (late 2009 through late 2011), traffic will remain on the existing roadway and construction will occur adjacent to the facility. There will be a three-day weekend closure of Doyle Drive in 2011 to transfer traffic onto a temporary detour. During Phase II (late 2011 into 2013), vehicles will travel on the temporary detour until construction is complete and traffic can be transferred to the final roadway. A second round of weekend closures will be required during this phase to transfer traffic from the temporary detour onto the final roadway. During these three-day weekend closures, the connection from the Golden Gate Bridge to Highway 1/Park Presidio will remain open.
Will there be any impacts to Marin commuters?
Traffic will remain on the existing Doyle Drive through late-2011 with construction occurring adjacent to the roadway. The traffic models have shown that a minimal, fourteen second delay is expected during this phase; therefore, the commute from Marin into San Francisco will essentially remain as it is now.
In 2011, traffic will be transferred onto a temporary detour which will include a movable median barrier. The temporary detour will accommodate the same capacity as the current Doyle Drive.
What are the primary ramp closures during construction?
The following ramps will be closed during the described time frames during construction: § Northbound Park Presidio to Southbound Doyle Drive (February 17, 2010-2011) § Northbound Doyle Drive to Southbound Park Presidio (January 10, 2010-2013) These ramps primarily serve vehicle trips within San Francisco and their closure is not expected to impact traffic coming from or going to the Golden Gate Bridge. Trips between Marin County and San Francisco and through to San Mateo County, will continue to move unimpeded by the closure of these two ramps. Although the ramp closure will divert traffic onto other streets, there are a variety of alternate routes and it is not anticipated that the volume on any one particular local street will be as high as it was on the ramps. Studies show that these alternate streets are capable of accommodating these small increases in traffic. The signed detour will direct drivers to use 25th Avenue/Geary Boulevard/Van News Avenue/Lombard Street. Drivers who miss the signage and end up at the closed ramp will be directed to use the "last chance detour": the Merchant Road off-ramp to Lincoln Boulevard and then back onto Doyle Drive via the Merchant Road on-ramp.
Which local roads will be closed during construction?
- Lincoln Boulevard between McDowell Avenue and Banks Street (Early 2010-early 2011)
- Halleck Street (Early 2011-Late 2012)
- Marshall Street (Permanently beginning Early 2011)
- Slip Ramp (Permanently beginning Early in 2011)
Visit the Traffic Information page to view a map of the closures
What part of Lincoln Boulevard will be closed?
Lincoln Boulevard will be closed between McDowell Avenue and Banks Street for approximately twelve months in order to construct the Southbound Battery Tunnel.
Will there be any closures of Doyle Drive during construction?
There are two planned 3-day weekend closures, one in 2011 and one in 2013. The first weekend closure will occur in 2011 to switch traffic onto the detour. The second will occur in 2013 to transfer traffic onto the final roadway.
Will the Presidio Parkway cause more traffic by accommodating more vehicles?
The Presidio Parkway design will serve the same traffic capacity as Doyle Drive does now. In response to public comments, the traffic study was expanded beyond the original parameters. The results of the expanded analysis are presented in the FEIS/R. No adverse impacts from this project onto the neighborhoods were indicated. The results found that roadway intersections and highway segments will have the same general level of congestion as the forecasts show for the roadway if no changes were made.
How does the Presidio Parkway design balance the traffic between Richardson Avenue and the Marina?
The design achieves a balance of traffic flow between Marina Boulevard and Richardson Avenue that is a close match to the existing balance of traffic. Also, some traffic will be alleviated with the introduction of Girard Road access into the Presidio which will attract local traffic to and from destinations in the Presidio and points south that are not currently available.