Committee backs closing Great Highway extension to build Ocean Beach climate-adaptation trail

San Francisco’s Land Use and Transportation Committee voted on April 29 to send an ordinance to the full Board of Supervisors recommending permanent closure of the Great Highway extension between Slote Boulevard and Skyline Boulevard to motor vehicles so the city can construct shoreline-resilience improvements and a multiuse coastal trail.

Chair Supervisor Mirna Melgar, joined by President Aaron Peskin and Vice Chair Dean Preston, heard a presentation from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission and Recreation and Parks. Anna Roche, SFPUC project manager, said the Ocean Beach Climate Change Adaptation Project responds to chronic coastal bluff erosion and is designed to protect wastewater infrastructure — notably the Oceanside Treatment Plant — while preserving public access. Roche said the project traces to the 2012 Ocean Beach Master Plan and that the Planning Commission unanimously certified the EIR.

Monica Scott of Rec & Park described public-access features to replace the roadway: a multiuse trail of just over a mile with a minimum 15-foot width for people walking and bicycling, an adjacent one-way service road for maintenance and emergency access, a plaza and off-grid solar restrooms at Slote Boulevard, beach access stairs, coastal parking, and planting and bioretention to manage runoff. Project milestones presented included a Coastal Development Permit hearing anticipated in June, 100% design early next year, bids in mid‑2025 and construction starting in late 2025; SFPUC anticipates the Great Highway extension closure in early 2026.

Members and presenters emphasized interagency coordination. Melgar thanked PUC, Rec & Park and MTA staff and asked Jeremy Spitz of SFPUC to confirm an agreement with the San Francisco Zoological Society: Spitz said SFPUC will include predevelopment for a new zoo entrance and the zoo will build the new entrance, while emergency egress to the service road will remain available.

Public commenters were largely supportive of the closure as a climate‑adaptation measure. Friends of Great Highway Park speakers and Surfrider Foundation representatives said the roadway is already eroding and that moving ahead with the adaptation project is the appropriate response to protect infrastructure and public access. The San Francisco Zoological Society, represented by Donna Uchida, requested continued coordination because eliminating direct Great Highway access will change primary entry and exit points for zoo parking; Uchida noted peak attendance days can be many thousands of visitors and asked the agencies to continue conversations about vehicular circulation and event days.

After discussion, Melgar moved to send the ordinance to the full Board with a positive recommendation and to allow SFPUC to seek the Coastal Commission permit; Vice Chair Preston and Member Peskin voted aye and the committee recorded three ayes, passing the motion.

The committee’s action does not authorize construction; it forwards the ordinance to the full Board and allows SFPUC to pursue subsequent permits. The project team told the committee they will continue public outreach and complete remaining environmental and design work before construction.