New traffic restrictions in effect in West Portal after tragic crash

SAN FRANCISCO ( KRON ) – New traffic changes are in effect in San Francisco’s West Portal neighborhood. In March, a family of four was tragically hit and killed by a car in the area.

The changes include restricting cars and adding a transit lane at the intersection of West Portal Avenue and Ulloa Street. New signs, speed bumps and street markings line the block.

Still, the newness of it all threw off pedestrians and drivers. Some worry that this will not make the area safer.

Traffic changes confused pedestrians and drivers. Some had to make illegal u-turns when going through the new one-way street on Lenox Way. SFMTA crews spent the day guiding people through.

The city is making these safety changes after a family of four was hit and killed by a driver at a bus stop on March 16. The tragic crash is still fresh for the community.

Mayor London Breed and Supervisor Myrna Melgar asked the city’s transportation agency to make this intersection safer to prevent another deadly crash. The changes include:

• No left turns from northbound West Portal Avenue onto Ulloa Street.
• No westbound through traffic on Ulloa Street at West Portal Avenue.
• No left turns from southbound West Portal Avenue onto Vicente Street.

SFMTA held several public hearings to get feedback from the public before approving the project, but others who live nearby say the city missed the mark with these improvements.

“SFMTA came out like a bunch of ghouls. Pulled this plan out of their back pocket because this is what they wanted to do, shoved it down our throat crying safety. But they didn’t address one thing that had to do with the accident,” said resident Glen Harvey.

“Glad the city is addressing these issues, but I’m not convinced the changes they are implementing are the ones that are needed,” said another resident, David Miller.

Harvey and Miller would have preferred seeing traffic lights installed, more stop signs and more police officers enforcing speed.

Many people told KRON4 they worry that the changes will force people to go through the neighborhood streets, causing even more traffic and safety concerns. KRON4 reached out to supervisor Melgar but we did not hear back in time for this report.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.