Octavia Improvements Study

Introduction

Octavia Boulevard serves as a major connection between several neighborhoods and the Central Freeway/U.S 101. Vehicle congestion can often be present with many using Octavia Boulevard to enter the freeway.

The Transportation Authority conducted the Octavia Improvements Study to improve safety, accessibility, and circulation along Octavia Boulevard and the surrounding neighborhoods. 

Project/Study Partners

The Transportation Authority conducted the study in partnership with SFMTA. 

Study Goals 

The goals and objectives of the study were developed in partnership with the community and built off of prior studies. The study goals include:

• Improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians, bicyclists, and people with disabilities
• Improve livability through the integration of transportation options
• Manage traffic circulation and enhance transportation options

Study Approach

The study team analyzed traffic-related collisions, vehicular congestion, and transit, bicycle and pedestrian usage in the study area. The study team also solicited feedback from the community about their travel experiences and potential improvement ideas.

Based on the technical analysis and outreach feedback, the study developed two groups of concept recommendations to address the Core Study Area, as well as the Secondary Study Area and beyond. The first group of recommendations, Local Safety and Connectivity concepts, would include bulb-outs, red light cameras or similar traffic enforcement strategies, and traffic calming on Octavia Street. The second group of recommendations, Regional Congestion Management strategies, would include transit and high occupancy vehicle lanes on Oak Street and a regional express transit hub. The Local Safety and Connectivity recommendations could be implemented with funds from the Market and Octavia Special Fund. The Regional Congestion Management strategies would require additional funding from other sources for the next phase of conceptual design, technical analysis, and community engagement.

Cost and Funding 

This project was funded by the Transportation Authority’s Neighborhood Program and the revenues from the sale of land parcels formerly occupied by the Central Freeway.

Resources

Octavia Improvements Study Final Report (PDF)

Transportation Authority’s 2012 Octavia Circulation Study

Planning Department’s 2008 Market/Octavia Plan

Octavia Improvements Study Prop K funding request 2020-01-22 (PDF)

Contact 

Rachel Hiatt, Deputy Director for Planning