After more than two decades, 24th Street is set to be repaved
from Guerrero Street to Potrero Avenue this summer, said officials from
the Department of Public Works.
Crews from Ruiz Construction Company are currently excavating to
replace sewer lines on Shotwell Street and repaving part of the north
sidewalk of 24th between Treat Avenue and Harrison Street. The work will
set the stage for repaving 24th, which will begin this summer.
“It’s long overdue,” said Alex Murillo of DPW.
Last repaved in 1991, 24th Street is now in critical condition, with a
pavement condition index of 51 out of 100 – two points above the worst
rank, which would require the surface to be ground and filled with a new
layer.
This the third Mission neighborhood corridor to get a facelift, after
Valencia and Mission streets. Construction tends to hurt business along
the corridors that are being repaved, but many owners told Mission
Local they understand it is necessary.
“It sucks, but I am sure it’s going to looks nice once it gets done,” said Scot Thompson, the owner of Mission Skateboards.
The project is funded by a general obligation bond, according to
Murillo, and is a joint venture between the San Francisco Public
Utilities Commission, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency
and DPW. The project includes resurfacing the street, sewer replacement
and conduits replacement.
Sewer replacement and sidewalk improvements began in February. The
project is set to be completed by late summer, though the official
deadline is in November.
There have been some glitches along the way.
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| 24th Street to get a facelift |
Two major gas leaks during the project required nearby residents to
evacuate. On Feb. 20, four buildings near 24th and Bryant streets were
evacuated after contractors dropped a large rock on a natural gas main.
Another gas leak occurred on March 14 near 26th and Alabama streets.
“Both those were dug into by non-PG&E contractors not following
proper digging procedures or safety procedures,” said Joe Mallika of
Pacific Gas and Electric.
Thompson thinks he has lost some customers due to the construction
noise, but added that crews come in early in the morning when most shops
are closed and leave as rush hour picks up.
Other merchants whose customers come from out of town on weekends are
concerned about parking, said Eric Arguello, the president of Calle 24,
a longtime merchants association in the corridor.
To alleviate their concerns, construction crews will work in the
mornings and wrap up in the early afternoon, during the corridor’s rush
hour. There will be no construction on weekends, Murillo said.
“I encourage people to call me,” he said. “I don’t want people sitting upset at home. Give me a chance to resolve the issue.”
To contact Murillo, call 415-437-7009.
