What to know about SF road closures this weekend
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Expect several road closures in downtown San Francisco this weekend. Photo: Paul Chinn/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images
The world is converging on San Francisco this weekend.
Why it matters: Traffic will suck.
Driving the news: City officials expect over 200,000 people to attend the NBA All-Star Game and its slate of events, and another 200,000 people in Chinatown for the Chinese New Year Parade.
- Plus, locals will be out and about for Valentine's Day weekend.
State of play: The city is temporarily closing some streets in the downtown area for the festivities.
- "Traffic is going to be an issue this weekend. If you have to be in traffic, just expect that," San Francisco police chief Bill Scott said at a press conference. "Give yourself a little bit more time and know that there will be traffic delays."
Zoom in: Several blocks around the Chase Center and Moscone Center will be cordoned off for NBA programming, including multiple parts of Warriors Way. Pier 48 will also be impacted.
Meanwhile, segments of Market Street and the Financial District will be shut down for Sunday's parade, which will begin at Market and Second and end between Pacific and Washington.
- The two-day Chinese New Year Community Fair also means closures on Grant Avenue between California and Broadway streets as well as Stockton and Kearny through the weekend.
The intrigue: In an effort to reduce congestion and support attendees, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) is offering free bus, subway and streetcar rides on Saturday and Sunday.
- "Please, take advantage of it," Scott said. "We want people to enjoy everything that we have to offer ... all over the city. "
- Yes, but: Cable car riders will still have to pay fees.
What to watch: Some Muni bus lines will be rerouted downtown due to the parade.
- Buses that usually run along Market Street will operate on Mission Street instead.
- Lines that cross Market Street will reroute around event areas.
- For full service changes, head to SFMTA's website.
What they're saying: "The influx of tourists will test San Francisco's transportation and infrastructure, but also pump vital dollars into the local economy," San Francisco Chronicle reporter Rachel Swan writes.
- "And it could serve as a precursor for next year, when there is spillover into the city as Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara hosts the Super Bowl and six World Cup soccer matches."
Editor's note: This story has been updated to include comments from the San Francisco police chief.