Caltrans to begin U.S. 101 Hospital Curve rehabilitation

Caltrans is launching the U.S. 101 Hospital Curve rehabilitation project, a two-year effort to improve 15.4 lane miles of concrete pavement and upgrade drainage systems and median barrier on U.S. 101 between Candlestick Point Recreation Area and the Mission District in San Francisco. 

Work crews are anticipated to begin work by Oct. 22. The project is expected to be completed in 2028. Included in the rehabilitation will be re-paving of freeway on- and off-ramps, new signage, striping and safety devices. With the completed project, motorists will experience a noticeably smoother driving experience with fewer rough patches and road bumps, according to Caltrans. 

Throughout the construction period, motorists can expect substantial night work, incurring major delays driving north- and southbound on the U.S. 101 between Candlestick Point Recreation Area to the Mission District. The project will extend the lifespan of this 70-year-old roadway, minimizing the need for frequent repairs and reducing future disruptions to commuters.

The traffic impact throughout construction will be significant. Motorists and commuters will experience traffic delays, slowed traffic, and freeway congestion. Lane width reductions are necessary to provide areas for work in the shoulders to occur. This project is located along sections where there is very limited roadway shoulder access. Lane closures will help safeguard work crews who will be working along these sections of the freeway.

The posted speed limit will be reduced through the work zone. Motorists are advised to use alternate routes or take public transit from approximately 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.

During full weekend closures, motorists should plan to use public transportation to reach their destinations and avoid the area altogether. To help motorists plan for traffic disruption, Caltrans posts and updates detour maps, vicinity maps, and simulation detour videos at sfhighwayprojects.com.

Project Timeline and location

Segment 3: Work begins in October 2025 with lanes in both directions shifted and the outside shoulder closed to allow drainage systems replacement. When the outside shoulder work is completed, work will shift to the center median to complete the drainage systems replacement. When the drainage work is complete, pavement reconstruction will occur during four full freeway full weekend closures, two in each direction. This will be followed by a series of full weekend lane closures for new center median barrier construction. The work is estimated to be completed in early 2028.

Segment 2: Work begins in Fall 2026 and continues to late Spring 2027. Work is mostly limited to the center median for drainage system upgrades and median barrier replacement. There will be some isolated concrete pavement slab repairs.

Segment 1: Work begins in Spring 2027 and continues to Fall 2027. Work is mostly limited to the center median for drainage system upgrades and median barrier replacement. There will be some isolated concrete pavement slab repairs.