SF’s Great Highway Gets Permit to Become Full-Time Park
A major milestone has been reached in the effort to reimagine the Great Highway as a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly park. The California Coastal Commission unanimously approved a permit for the City of San Francisco to transform the 2-mile stretch of roadway from Lincoln Way to Sloat Boulevard into a full-time park. The project will prioritize walking and biking access, enhance safety, and restore crucial coastal dunes.
The transformation, expected to debut in early 2025, follows the passage of Proposition K last November, which banned private vehicle traffic along this section of the Great Highway. The plan envisions a sustainable, accessible space for recreation along San Francisco’s scenic coastline.
“This is a pivotal moment for our city,” said Phil Ginsburg, General Manager of the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department. “This approval brings us closer to creating a park that reflects our community’s vision for a sustainable and inclusive future.”
Transportation Improvements Underway
To ensure a smooth transition from highway to promenade, city and state agencies are collaborating on several key transportation upgrades, including:
- Repaving Sunset Boulevard
- Installing new traffic signals at Sloat Boulevard and Skyline Boulevard, and at Skyline Boulevard and Great Highway
- Adjusting traffic flow at the intersections of Great Highway at Lincoln Way and Sloat Boulevard
These efforts build on prior safety measures introduced in 2022, which included the addition of 25 speed humps and 12 stop signs on streets adjacent to the Great Highway to discourage cut-through traffic and maintain safe speeds.
Further enhancements are planned post-transformation, including new signals at La Playa Street, 41st Avenue, and 45th Avenue along the Lincoln Way corridor, as well as upgrades to the signal at Great Highway and Lincoln.
Community Engagement and Future Plans
Starting in Spring 2025, a series of community discussions will provide opportunities for public feedback on park design and traffic concerns. These meetings will include input from transportation experts, park designers, and local residents.
The Great Highway project is part of San Francisco’s broader plan to create a climate-resilient Ocean Beach. Public engagement will remain central to shaping long-term strategies for the area.
“Today’s approval is a critical step in redefining coastal access and stewardship,” said Lucas Lux, board president of Friends of Great Highway Park. “We’re excited to collaborate with our community to honor the Coastal Act principles of access and preservation.”
Investing in the Future
In addition to securing permit approval, the California State Coastal Conservancy Board awarded San Francisco a $1 million grant last November. The funds will support efforts to address sea level rise, restore the coastal environment, and engage the community in shaping the park’s design and future use.
Once completed, the Great Highway Park will offer San Franciscans and visitors a dynamic recreational destination that celebrates the city’s iconic coastline while promoting sustainability and coastal preservation.
Read more at San Francisco Recreation & Parks
View this post on Instagram
