Introduction
The Balboa Park BART/Muni Station is one of the busiest transit hubs in San Francisco. Access to the station is complicated by the convergence of BART, Muni lines, people walking and biking, and six freeway ramps tying into the local street network directly adjacent to the station.
The Transportation Authority released the Balboa Park Circulation Study (PDF) in April 2014, with recommendations to reduce conflicts among different types of users at several locations in the station area, improve pedestrian and bicycle conditions while balancing vehicle operational needs, and be of a cost and scope that would allow implementation within the next 10 years.
The recommended modifications included three project elements:
Element 1: Close the northbound I-280/Geneva Avenue on-ramp
Element 2: Realign the southbound I-280/Ocean Avenue off-ramp into a “T” intersection with a new signal on Ocean Avenue
Element 3: Construct a new northbound frontage road between Geneva Avenue and Ocean Avenue, immediately east of I-280, to accommodate a new kiss-and-ride drop off area with direct connection to the BART Westside Walkway
The I-280 Interchange Modifications at Balboa Park Project is the next phase of work to improve circulation in the Balboa Park interchange and station area. This phase, led by the Transportation Authority, will include further project development work on study Elements 1 and 2. The purpose of this effort is to conduct the detailed analysis and documentation needed before implementation decisions can be made on either element.
Goals
- Reduce multimodal conflicts (vehicles, transit, pedestrians) at the I-280 freeway ramps while not substantially degrading vehicle operations in the area, including the I-280 freeway mainline.
- Provide safe, accessible, and convenient connections for pedestrians, bicycle, and intermodal travelers.
- Develop cost-effective solutions that support the community values and goals, without substantial construction-related impacts, that can be implemented in 2–10 years.
Timeline
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Design phase
2023-2025
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Construction
2025-2027*
*pending funding
Project/Study Partners
- Caltrans
- BART
- The SFMTA leads coordination between ongoing efforts by multiple agencies to improve conditions in the Balboa Park Station Area. SFMTA also provides the primary staff support to the Balboa Park Station Community Advisory Committee.
Cost and Funding
The current phase of work is funded by $750,000 in Prop K transportation sales tax dollars. The Balboa Park Station Area Circulation Study estimated rough cost ranges for implementation of the recommended interchange modifications. Element 1 was estimated to cost between $3.2 and $5.2 million. Element 2 will cost between $15 and $18 million for construction. More refined cost estimates and funding plans for these elements will be developed as part of the design project phase.
Resources
Final Report: Balboa Park Station Area Circulation Study, 2014 (PDF)
Contact
Recommended Alternative
The Balboa Park Circulation Study (PDF), released in April 2014, resulted in a recommended alternative that would reduce conflicts among different types of users at several locations in the study area, improve pedestrian and bicycle conditions while balancing vehicle operational needs, and be of a cost and scope that would allow implementation within the next 10 years. The recommended alternative would create a partial split interchange in which northbound I-280 traffic would exit onto Geneva Avenue but enter the freeway from Ocean Avenue; southbound traffic would still be able to exit both Geneva and Ocean Avenues while only entering from Geneva Avenue. The recommended modifications included three project elements:
Element 1: Close the northbound I-280/Geneva Avenue on-ramp
Element 2: Realign the southbound I-280/Ocean Avenue off-ramp into a “T” intersection with a new signal on Ocean Avenue
Element 3: Construct a new northbound frontage road between Geneva Avenue and Ocean Avenue, immediately east of I-280, to accommodate a new kiss-and-ride drop off area with direct connection to the BART Westside Walkway
Current Phase Overview
The I-280 Interchange Modifications at Balboa Park Project is the next phase of work to improve circulation in the Balboa Park interchange and station area. This phase, led by the Transportation Authority, will include further project development work on two of the recommended elements from the BPCS: Element 1 (the northbound I-280 Geneva Avenue on-ramp closure) and Element 2 (the southbound I-280 Ocean Avenue off-ramp realignment). The purpose of this effort is to conduct the detailed analysis and documentation needed before implementation decisions can be made on either element.
Specifically, this phase includes (1) detailed traffic analysis for both proposed changes to the ramp configuration, (2) preparation of required Caltrans Project Study Report/Project Report (PSR/PR) and environmental clearance for Element 2, (3) preparation of required Federal Highway Administration Ramp Closure Analysis for Element 1, and (4) development of project funding and implementation strategy. The project team will conduct outreach to community groups and stakeholders to provide updates and gather input as the project proceeds and before any decisions are made to implement the proposed modifications. The Transportation Authority is also coordinating this project with other local projects in the surrounding Balboa Park Station area.
Related programs
