San Francisco neighborhoods brace for Golden Gate Bridge fireworks crowds and traffic

Fourth of July fireworks from the Golden Gate Bridge are expected to draw large crowds Saturday night - and bring hours of street closures, traffic restrictions and parking pressure to some of San Francisco's busiest waterfront neighborhoods.

The city's official fireworks show is scheduled to begin around 9:30 p.m. and last until about 9:45 p.m. Fireworks will launch from the bridge towers, with additional displays from barges in the bay near Crissy Field and Pier 39.

The Golden Gate Bridge will close to all traffic from 9 to 10 p.m. Saturday, and Caltrans will begin closing Highway 101 in both directions at 8 p.m. to clear the area for fireworks operations, Caltrans and the Golden Gate Bridge district said.

But the impacts will extend well beyond the bridge.

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency said drivers should expect significant delays beginning Saturday afternoon and continuing late into the night, especially near the waterfront.

The Marina, Presidio, Fisherman's Wharf and parts of the Richmond are expected to be particularly affected.

In Fisherman's Wharf, Jefferson Street will be closed to traffic between Hyde Street and the Embarcadero from 1 to 11 p.m. Saturday. Traffic on the Embarcadero will be diverted onto Beach Street, according to SFMTA.

Beginning around 8 p.m., streets in the Fisherman's Wharf and Marina neighborhoods will be restricted to local access until about 11 p.m. The restrictions will apply to streets north of Bay, Alhambra and Francisco streets, as well as Chestnut Street between Fillmore Street and Van Ness Avenue, the agency said.

In the Presidio, heavy congestion, limited parking and extended delays are expected throughout the day and evening, especially near Crissy Field, according to the Presidio Trust.

Temporary traffic controls will include street closures, including Halleck Street between Crissy Field and the Main Post and Owen Street on the Main Post.

The bridge's east sidewalk will be closed between the two towers from 5 a.m. Friday through 5 a.m. Sunday for pyrotechnic staging, according to the Presidio Trust and the bridge district.

Pedestrians and bicyclists will be turned around at each tower. The west sidewalk is expected to remain open during regular hours before evening closures tied to the show.

Parking near major viewing areas is expected to fill early. SFMTA warned that residents should expect higher demand for street parking in neighborhoods near the waterfront and the bridge, and visitors should check posted parking restrictions before leaving vehicles.

Transit agencies urged people to avoid driving if possible.

"We anticipate large crowds at this year's historic July Fourth celebrations, so we encourage people to walk, bike, take transit or a taxi," Viktoriya Wise, SFMTA's acting director of transportation, said in a statement. "And if you drive, be prepared for tough parking conditions."

Muni will run fireworks shuttles from 4 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday. A Marina fireworks shuttle will run from Powell Street Station along the 38-Geary and 49-Van Ness/Mission routes to Marina Middle School at Chestnut and Fillmore streets.

A Pier 39 Embarcadero fireworks shuttle will run from Embarcadero Station along the F-Market route to North Point and Kearny streets.

SFMTA said the 28-19th Avenue is also a good option for reaching viewing areas.

The 28, 30-Stockton and 43-Masonic will be rerouted to Marina Middle School during the day and will not serve regular stops in the Marina, Presidio or at the Golden Gate Bridge toll plaza.

The F line will operate by bus all day between Embarcadero Station and North Point and Kearny streets and will not operate on Market Street.

Cable cars will be motorized after 2 p.m., according to SFMTA.

The agency will also set up transit hubs at Marina Middle School, Van Ness and Bay streets, and North Point and Kearny streets near Pier 39.

A temporary taxi stand will operate on the west side of Baker Street between Beach and Bay streets, next to the Palace of Fine Arts, from 6 p.m. to midnight.

The July Fourth show is part of San Francisco's celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States. City officials have said it will be only the third time fireworks have launched from the Golden Gate Bridge, after displays for the span's 50th and 75th anniversaries.

The weather may be more cooperative than usual.

The National Weather Service said the Bay Area should see pleasant conditions through the holiday weekend, with coastal temperatures mostly in the mid-60s to near 70 and a weaker marine layer expected Saturday.

Still, forecasters said breezy conditions and coastal clouds remain possible, and SFMTA urged people heading to the waterfront to bring warm clothes.

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