Octavia Boulevard in San Francisco was designed to replace a freeway that was removed after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. The new boulevard accommodates vehicles entering and exiting the area while prioritizing pedestrian and cyclist safety through traffic calming measures. Since being constructed, the neighborhood has experienced increased transit use, job growth, rising property values without the gridlock that was initially feared.

1. Octavia Boulevard in San Francisco, CA
Photo: paulsupawanich via Flickr

2. Slide: Google Maps
The project
removed the
freeway
starting at
Market
Street.

3. Slide: San Francisco Chronicle
The Loma Prieta earthquake allowed residents and
planners to envision the neighborhood without the
freeway towering over Octavia Street.

4. Octavia Boulevard was designed to accommodate
highway egress and ingress while providing a safe and
comfortable environment for pedestrians and cyclists.

5. High-speed traffic is slowed as it enters onto
Octavia, allowing it to safely and efficiently disperse into
the road network.
Photo: Google Maps

6. Hayes Green is used to signal the transition from
Octavia Blvd to the neighborhood street grid.
Photo: Google Maps

7. Transit trips increased 75%, employment increased
23%, property values rose, and gridlock never
materialized.
Photo: SFCityscape via Flickr

8. Want more info?
Additional case studies?
www.pps.org/rightsizing