Locals Brace For Super Bowl 50 Gridlock
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- The countdown to Super Bowl 50 also means a countdown to some serious gridlock, especially near Super Bowl City in San Francisco.
The wild ride of Super Bowl 50 is about to begin, and local residents and visitors alike are being warned it will be slow going.
"Keep in mind security. Keep in mind that traffic is going to be a challenge, and please have patience," said David Perry of the Super Bowl 50 Host Committee.
Super Bowl Week officially kicks off January 30th, but the closures and craziness will begin one week from Thursday.
San Francisco is expecting one million visitors.
The festivities also coincide with Chinese New Year and the 20,000 to 30,000 people that brings to the city.
"I'm not worried about the morning," said Bay Area resident Laura Spry. "But I am concerned about the afternoon and getting everyone out in time and their ability to get home."
Spry says her company will likely have its employees telecommute or work flex hours.
With all the street closures, crowds and security perimeters downtown, getting around will be challenging at best-and most certainly slow.
The main closures to remember include:
- Market Street, between Beale and Steuart streets
- Southbound Embarcadero, from Washington to Don Chee Way
- Beale, Main, Spear, Steuart streets from Market to Howard streets
- Howard Street between 3rd and 4th streets; partial closure on Howard between 4th and 5th streets
Transit officials said if they could impart any advice to locals or visitors, it would be to avoid driving in downtown San Francisco altogether. Officials said that there would be additional trains and buses in service to accommodate the crowds, particularly during the major free events being held at Super Bowl City.
The KPIX 5 website has a special page with links and information about how to get around during Super Bowl 50 that can be found here.
