Design and Construction Report staff writer
San Francisco has received $35.8 million from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s (MTC) Housing Incentive Pool Grants for infrastructure improvements tied to affordable housing development.
The grant follows the construction of 2,981 new affordable housing units in the city between 2018 and 2022 and will fund critical upgrades to streets, transit systems, and pedestrian infrastructure — providing significant opportunities for construction firms and contractors in the region.
Funds will go to large-scale infrastructure projects including the installation of new traffic signals, street upgrades and improvements to the Yerba Buena Island Bridges.
Key construction projects and opportunities:
Lincoln Way traffic signal improvements
- A substantial portion of the funding will be directed toward the installation of new traffic signals along Lincoln Way at the intersections of 45th Avenue and La Playa. This project will replace existing stop-controlled intersections, reducing transit delays and improving vehicle and pedestrian flow. For construction professionals, this means opportunities in signal installation, roadwork, and the development of new curb ramps and street lighting. The work will be done in conjunction with other planned upgrades along the Lincoln Way corridor, creating a cohesive transportation improvement plan for the Sunset District.
Folsom-Howard streetscape revitalization
- The Folsom-Howard Streetscape Project will overhaul the streetscape along Folsom Street between 2nd and 11th Streets, focusing on bike lane improvements, traffic circulation changes, and the creation of raised crosswalks. The project will also introduce new bus bulbs to improve Muni service and reduce pedestrian crossing distances. Enhancements will create numerous construction opportunities for firms specializing in streetscape design, sidewalk expansion, traffic signalization, and transit-only lanes.
Powell Street streetscape and pedestrian Enhancements
- The Powell Street Improvement Project, located between Market and Geary, will revitalize a key commercial corridor with sidewalk widenings, new paving, and distinctive lighting features. Construction teams will be engaged in widening sidewalks to 18 feet, creating new lighting fixtures, and installing custom street furniture. This revitalization project also involves landscape and greening elements, which will require expertise in sustainable urban design and landscape architecture.
Yerba Buena Island West Side Bridges enhancements
- One of the most technically challenging projects in this round of funding involves construction on Yerba Buena Island. The Yerba Buena Island (YBI) West Side Bridges Project will improve the infrastructure needed to accommodate the future Yerba Buena Island Multi-Use Path (MUP), which will provide safe and sustainable mobility for cyclists and pedestrians. The project requires construction of a retaining wall and roadway improvements, as well as seismic retrofitting of the existing West Side Bridges. Contractors with expertise in seismic upgrades, retaining walls, and multi-use pathways will play a key role in delivering this critical project.
“These projects are not just about improving traffic flow or reducing delays — they are about creating a safer, more reliable transportation network for San Francisco’s residents,” said Mayor London Breed. “The new traffic signals, updated streetscapes, and bus fleet improvements will enhance the daily commute for thousands of people, and the construction community will be at the forefront of this transformation.”
