The California Coastal Commission voted unanimously today to grant permit approval for the City of San Francisco to convert the Great Highway from Lincoln Way to Sloat Boulevard to a full-time park that will prioritize pedestrian and bicycle access, enhance public safety, and restore vital coastal dunes.
The Commission’s approval marks a critical step in the process to open the 2-mile stretch as a fulltime park, anticipated in early 2025. In November, San Francisco voters passed Proposition K to ban private vehicles from the stretch and transform it into recreational space.
“The Commission’s approval marks a major milestone in reimagining this iconic stretch of coastline as a safe, inclusive space for recreation and connection to nature,” said Rec and Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg. “This pivotal moment brings us closer to creating a park that reflects our community’s vision for a sustainable and accessible future.”
City and state agencies are currently working together to implement key transportation improvements to ensure a smooth transition from highway to promenade, including:
Repaving Sunset Boulevard
Activating a new signal at Sloat Boulevard and Skyline Boulevard
Activating a new signal at Skyline Boulevard and Great Highway
Traffic changes to the promenade intersections of Great Highway at Lincoln Way and Sloat Boulevard
These projects are bolstered by prior traffic calming efforts. In 2022, the SFMTA installed 25 speed humps and 12 stop signs on directly adjacent streets to Great Highway to reduce cut-through traffic behavior and ensure safe traffic speeds on neighborhood streets.
In addition to the immediate transportation improvements, the City is planning to install new traffic signals along the Lincoln Way corridor at La Playa Street, 41st Avenue, and 45th Avenue and upgrade the existing signal at Great Highway and Lincoln to support safety and mobility. These improvements will be implemented after the stretch reopens as a fulltime promenade.
Starting in Spring 2025, community discussions will be held to gather feedback on upcoming park designs and address any new concerns about residential traffic. These meetings will bring together transportation professionals, park designers, and community members.
The Upper Great Highway transformation is part of a broader vision for a climate-resilient Ocean Beach. The City will continue to engage with the public to finalize long-term plans for the area, ensuring it remains a cherished destination for generations to come.
“Today's approval is a critical step toward creating a park that redefines coastal access and stewardship in an urban setting,” said Lucas Lux, board president of Friends of Great Highway Park. “We appreciate the Commission's support and are excited to collaborate with our community to prioritize the Coastal Act principles of access and preservation in the future of our City's coastline.”
In November, the California State Coastal Conservancy Board approved a $1 million grant to help San Francisco address sea level rise and plan the transformation of the Great Highway into a permanent park, focusing on community input, environmental restoration, and improved access.
For more information about the Great Highway project, click here.
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