At Reset, we fully advocate making Muni faster and more reliable, and the SFMTA is working hard to improve San Francisco’s public transportation system and to make sure renovations are as painless as possible.

That’s why they’re trying to get the word out early on about potential delays, shut downs and reroutes. Avid Reset readers know we’re fans of Muni – from the ten community town halls last year to Muni Manners and Muni MadLibs – and we thought we’d help spread the word.

From May 25 to June 4, the N Judah, J Church, 22 Fillmore, 37 Corbett, and the 43 Masonic lines will be shut down or rerouted in order to lay new tracks, increase rider safety and upgrade curbs and ramps. Look out for updates on the electronic message boards and posted notices along the routes for updates.

See the official press release below for further details.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2012
Contact: Paul Rose
(415) 601-1637
[email protected]

**PRESS RELEASE**

SFMTA Gears Up for Long Shutdown on N Judah Line, J Church Line, 22 Fillmore and Other Routes

May 25 to June 4 Church & Duboce and Carl Street Projects will require traffic detours and bus shuttles, making way for street and Muni improvements

San Francisco — The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), which manages transportation in the city, including the Municipal Railway (Muni), today reminds customers and San Francisco residents and visitors of the continuation of track improvement work on the Muni Metro system this month. Construction for the Church & Duboce Track and Street Improvement Project and the Carl Street Rail Replacement Project will require bus shuttle substitution on the N Judah Line, disruption to the J Church Line, reroutes of several bus routes and traffic detours over multiple days, Friday, May 25 until Monday, June 4. This work is essential to keeping Muni in a state of good repair and will provide pedestrian and street improvements.

As part of the Church and Duboce Track and Street Improvement Project and the Carl Street Rail Replacement Project, the multi-day shutdown is slated to begin at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 25, and end at 5 a.m. on Monday, June 4. It will require a shutdown of the N Judah Line, a partial shutdown of the J Church and reroutes on the 22 Fillmore, 37 Corbett, 43 Masonic and N Owl routes.

The construction dates have been coordinated between both the Church & Duboce and Carl Street projects to minimize inconvenience to residents, businesses, Muni customers, motorists and bicyclists. The projects will revitalize the Muni system by upgrading Muni tracks and essential systems and provide numerous streetscape and infrastructure improvements to the surrounding neighborhoods.

“This shutdown will enable critically important work that will help Muni run better and make for safer travel for people on bicycles and on foot. There will be disruption, but we are endeavoring to make it as painless as possible,” said Edward D. Reiskin, Director of Transportation. “We ask that everyone allow extra travel time and plan ahead, especially when commuting or going to events. Those who can walk, bike, take an alternative Muni route, grab a taxi, or even work from home will help ensure space for those who cannot.”

Construction crews and equipment will be on site working around the clock during construction, beginning at 8 p.m., Friday, May 25.

Summary of transit and traffic impacts:

  • The N Judah will be shutdown with substitute bus service provided from Ocean Beach to Van Ness Avenue.
  • The bus service will vary between weekdays and weekends
  • Nx service unchanged
  • J Church Line to operate between Balboa Park and Market/Church streets
  • Major reroute of the 22 Fillmore
  • Other minor reroutes of 37 Corbett, 43 Masonic and N Owl service
  • Residents, merchants and Muni customers can also expect street and bike lane closures and detours during the construction.
  • Bike detours will be in place for the Wiggle, the Steiner/Sanchez route and the connector route between the Wiggle and Market Street.
  • Parking restrictions will be in effect.
  • Traffic control officers and police officers will direct traffic at critical intersections.
  • Noise and dust will be controlled in adherence with city codes.
  • Electronic messaging boards will be used in affected areas to alert motorists and cyclists of detours.

Access to local businesses, residences and driveways will be maintained

All of the dates and details are subject to change and adjustments due to weather, operational or other unexpected conditions.

These projects will provide:

  • New track for a smoother, faster ride on Muni
  • Bulbouts to enhance safety and boarding at N Judah Line stops
  • Curb and ramp upgrades
  • Water and sewer improvements
  • Overhead wire pole and streetlight pole replacement

For more details and updates, please visit www.sfmta.com/longshutdown.

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Established by voter proposition in 1999, the SFMTA, a department of the City and County of San Francisco, oversees the Municipal Railway (Muni), parking and traffic, bicycling, walking and taxis. With five modes of transit, Muni has approximately 700,000 passenger boardings each day. Over 35,000 extra vehicles enter San Francisco on any given business day, and rely on the SFMTA to keep the flow of cars, transit vehicles, taxis, delivery trucks, pedestrians and bicycles moving smoothly through the streets.