SAN FRANCISCO — Drivers face another full weekend shutdown of northbound Highway 101 later this month.
Caltrans plans to close all northbound U.S. 101 lanes through Hospital Curve from 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18 until 6 a.m. Monday, Sept. 21 for pavement work. Southbound 101 is scheduled to remain open.
For people driving into San Francisco from SFO, the Peninsula or South Bay, the practical advice is simple: do not plan on using northbound 101 through Hospital Curve that weekend.
What part of Highway 101 is closing?
Caltrans describes the shutdown as the northbound 101 closure through Hospital Curve, beginning around the Cesar Chavez Street area and affecting the downtown approach.
There is a small inconsistency in Caltrans’ own Sept. 3 advisory: the headline refers to Cesar Chavez Street to 17th Street, while the body also refers to Cesar Chavez Street to 10th Street. For drivers, the key point is unchanged — northbound through traffic is being diverted before the closed Hospital Curve segment.
What is the detour for downtown SF and the Bay Bridge?
Caltrans recommends I-280 as the main northbound alternate for motorists headed toward downtown San Francisco or the Bay Bridge. The agency also advises travelers to consider public transit because alternate routes may become congested.
What should SFO travelers do?
For motorists leaving San Francisco International Airport toward the city, Caltrans’ airport/Peninsula detour uses I-380 to I-280. Drivers heading from San Francisco toward SFO can likewise use I-280 and I-380 before returning to 101 south of the closure.
If you have a flight that weekend, build extra time into the trip rather than relying on normal 101 travel times.
Why is 101 closing again?
The shutdown is part of Caltrans’ Hospital Curve rehabilitation project. Crews are using full weekend closures for major pavement repairs intended to improve ride quality, safety and the life of the freeway.
The schedule is weather-dependent. SF News Today will check Caltrans again before the closure weekend for any postponement or change.