Drivers traveling through San Francisco this weekend should prepare for major traffic disruptions as crews continue a long-running road rehabilitation project at Hospital Curve on Highway 101.
The California Department of Transportation plans to close all southbound lanes and one northbound lane between Cesar Chavez Street and 17th Street. The closure is scheduled to begin at 11 p.m. Friday, October 16, and continue until 6 a.m. Monday, October 19.
The work will affect people leaving San Francisco on the Central Freeway, drivers entering the city from the East Bay over the Bay Bridge, and motorists using Highway 101 to travel through the area.
With the weekend closure coinciding with Game 1 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center, drivers heading toward the arena could face additional delays. Planning an alternate route before leaving home may help avoid some of the congestion.
I-280 Recommended as an Alternative Route
Motorists who normally use southbound Highway 101 through Hospital Curve are being encouraged to consider Interstate 280 instead.
Drivers should allow extra time for their trips, particularly if they have scheduled appointments, airport connections or plans to attend events in the city.
The closure will not affect every lane in both directions equally. One northbound lane will be closed, while the remaining northbound lanes are expected to stay open. However, traffic may still slow as drivers navigate the construction zone and surrounding streets.
Checking traffic conditions before departure can help motorists decide whether to adjust their route or leave earlier than planned.
Why Hospital Curve Is Under Construction
The weekend work is part of a broader rehabilitation project on the U.S. 101 Bayshore Freeway that began in fall 2025.
The project covers approximately 15.4 lane-miles of roadway between Candlestick Point Recreation Area and the Mission District. Planned improvements include concrete pavement repairs, drainage upgrades and improvements to the median barrier.
The work is intended to improve driving conditions and preserve the freeway for long-term use. Upgraded drainage is also designed to help reduce flooding risks during wet weather.
Because the work requires extensive pavement repairs, crews are carrying out major construction activities during scheduled weekend closures to limit the impact on weekday travel.
Another Closure Is Planned for November
The October 16–19 closure is the third major weekend closure associated with the Hospital Curve repaving work.
A fourth and final closure affecting the same southbound lanes and one northbound lane is scheduled for November 6–9, weather permitting. That work is expected to begin at 11 p.m. Friday and finish by 6 a.m. Monday.
Drivers who regularly travel through this section of Highway 101 should keep the upcoming dates in mind when planning weekend trips.
Construction schedules can change because of weather or other conditions, so motorists should check for updated traffic information before traveling.
What Drivers Should Do Before Heading Out
A little preparation could make the weekend easier for commuters and visitors.
- Consider I-280: Use it as an alternative to southbound Highway 101 through Hospital Curve.
- Check traffic updates: Review current conditions before starting your trip.
- Allow additional travel time: Expect possible slowdowns around the closure and nearby streets.
- Plan ahead for Chase Center: Event attendees should account for construction-related delays when choosing when to leave.
- Watch for changing conditions: Follow posted detour signs and directions from traffic crews.
Drivers can check real-time roadway conditions through Caltrans QuickMap at https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ and review the latest construction announcements before setting out.
The weekend closure is part of a larger effort to repair and improve one of San Francisco’s important freeway corridors. For motorists, the main priority will be finding an alternate route and allowing enough time to reach their destination while construction continues.
