The Mayor of San Francisco, London N. Breed, announced a plan to repave an additional 500 blocks during 2024, using state and local funds of approximately $77.3 million.
The local government pointed out that, in the last 10 years, the city has repaved more than 7,700 blocks, or around 60 percent, of the almost 13,000 it has, a situation that has placed it on the Pavement Condition Index. of San Francisco, which is tracked by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission ?MTC? independent, with a score of 74 out of 100, which is considered "good".
On an individual basis, the MTC assessment found that two-thirds of San Francisco's blocks are considered to be in "good" or "excellent." However, San Francisco's rating is the best among large cities in the Bay Area and exceeds the regional rating of 67, considered "fair," the government said in a statement.
“We have made significant progress improving the condition of our streets and we are committed to keeping the momentum going,” Mayor Breed said.
“Smoother roads mean safer roads no matter how you get around San Francisco. The ongoing strategic investments in our street resurfacing program also create jobs and support commerce, which are critical to the city's continued economic recovery post-pandemic."
San Francisco Department of Public Works Acting Director Carla Short said that, like communities across the West, the city was hit hard by potholes last winter due to incessant rains, causing repair crews will work additional shifts seven days a week to catch up.
“For starters, roads that are in good condition reduce the chance of potholes forming, which increases the importance of our proactive paving initiative,” he explained.
When selecting which blocks will be resurfaced, the street resurfacing program team considers a number of factors: road condition, usage - are streets served by public transportation and bike lanes prioritized, for example? and whether the paving project can be combined with other infrastructure projects, such as sewer and water system improvements, to minimize disruption to residents and businesses.
Geographic equity is also considered to ensure street improvements benefit all neighborhoods, the city said.
Among the streets on the list for consideration are Golden Gate Avenue, Junipero Serra Boulevard, Mariposa Street, Bryant Street, Shafter Avenue and Vallejo Street. The goal is to repave 500 blocks.
The funding, Breed said, comes from a variety of state and local sources, including vehicle registration fees, revenue from gas and sales taxes, and Certificates of Participation, a type of tax-exempt government bond. .
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