Freeway Transforms Into People-Friendly Boulevard

A new chapter in San Francisco's freeway saga.

1 minute read

September 10, 2005, 9:00 AM PDT

By Irvin Dawid


After the Loma Prieta earthquake of 1989 in San Francisco, the Embarcadero Freeway was razed, replaced with a multi-modal roadway that included a promenade and streetcar line. Now The Embarcadero's cousin, The Central Freeway as it was known, also damaged.

Now known as the new Octavia Boulevard/Central Freeway connection, the project has a long history dating back to when it was damaged in the Loma Prieta earthquake of 1989. Unlike the other damaged freeway, the Embarcadero, this freeway was rebuilt and continued to operate in its original capacity. However, San Francisco, never at a loss for civic activism, decided the fate of the freeway at the ballot box.

"It took three ballot measures -- in 1997, 1998 and 1999 -- to reach a decision. And then more than a dozen designs were presented to the public for review and debate. Caltrans was responsible for rebuilding the freeway; the city was in charge of the Octavia Boulevard component. Combined, they cost $62 million."

Thanks to Irvin Dawid

Friday, September 9, 2005 in The San Francisco Chronicle

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

5 hours ago - Streetsblog USA

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

6 hours ago - AP News

1984 Olympics

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles

LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.

7 hours ago - Newsweek

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.