US: Officials extend closure of San Francisco transit center October 5 /update 2

Event

The San Francisco Salesforce Transit Center will remain closed indefinitely and likely until at least November, officials predict. Meanwhile, more road closures are planned for the next week. Officials will close First Street, between Howard and Mission, nightly beginning 21:00 on Friday, October 5, to facilitate repairs to the transit center. The street will reopen each day at 05:00. Fremont Street will also remain closed, though authorities hope to reopen the road by Friday, October 12. Tests will then be performed on the support beams to determine the cause before permanent repairs can begin. Testing is expected to take around two weeks.

Buses will continue to use the Temporary Transbay Terminal. Transportation delays are expected to continue.

Context

The Salesforce Transit Center closed on Tuesday, September 25, after workers discovered a crack in a support beam. The facility opened in August 2018 following eight years of construction. It is designed to provide bus and rail service, though budgetary shortfalls have delayed the completion of rail projects.

Advice

Individuals in or traveling to San Francisco, especially from Oakland or the East Bay area, are advised monitor the situation, and anticipate significant transportation disruptions, particularly bus service and vehicle commuting via the Bay Bridge or northbound I-80.