San Francisco committee approves closure of Great Highway for climate resilience project

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors' Land Use and Transportation Committee has taken a significant step towards climate resilience by advancing an ordinance to close the Great Highway extension. This decision, made during the committee's regular meeting on April 29, 2024, aims to facilitate the development of a multi-use trail and enhance shoreline resilience as part of the Ocean Beach climate change adaptation project.

Chair Mirna Melgar emphasized the urgency of the project, citing the severe coastal erosion impacting the area. "This work is critical given the extreme impact of coastal erosion we have seen over the last few years," she stated, highlighting the need for proactive measures to protect public amenities and infrastructure.

The project, which has been in development since 2012, is designed to safeguard the western side of San Francisco from rising sea levels. Anna Roche, project manager with the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), presented the plan, detailing the closure of the Great Highway to public vehicles and the construction of a buried wall to protect wastewater infrastructure. The project will also include a mile-long multi-use trail, beach access stairways, and new restrooms, all powered by solar energy.

Public comments reflected a mix of support and concern. While many praised the initiative as a necessary response to climate change, representatives from the San Francisco Zoological Society raised concerns about access to the zoo, which could be affected by the closure. The committee assured that emergency vehicle access would remain intact.

The ordinance is expected to move to the full Board of Supervisors for approval on May 7, 2024, with construction anticipated to begin in late 2025. This project not only aims to protect vital infrastructure but also seeks to create a sustainable and accessible coastal environment for future generations.