For Immediate Release 

Contact: (415) 437-7009

February 10, 2010

DPW Acts Quickly to Address Coastal Bluff Erosion Near Lake Merced Wastewater Tunnel at Great Highway

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – The Department of Public Works (DPW) announced today that a Bluff Toe Stabilization Project begins this week and will be complete by March 2010. Debris cleanup along the beach will be included within the project limits.

Work will take place Monday through Saturday and will occur during low tide to allow construction equipment access to the beach.

Sections along the Great Highway south of Sloat Boulevard experienced intense erosion of the supporting bluffs during the 2009/10 winter season. The bluffs eroded up to 70 feet since 2007 and more than 30 feet of that has occurred just in the last few months. DPW is taking action to ensure public safety, protect the Lake Merced Wastewater Tunnel and other infrastructure, and to protect Ocean Beach.

The Director of Public Works and the Mayor declared emergencies in January to expedite contracting and permitting issues to quickly begin work.

A section of the Great Highway remains closed during construction between Sloat Boulevard and Skyline Boulevard to southbound traffic. Northbound lanes will remain open at that same stretch. The Great Highway from Lincoln to Sloat is not impacted by the construction work.

Local beach access will be limited from the Great Highway between Fort Funston and Ocean Beach. Visitors to the area should observe signs for detailed information.

DPW is working with other city agencies, including the SF Public Utilities Commission, Municipal Transportation Agency, Department of the Environment, SF County Transportation Authority, California Coastal Commission, and the National Park Service.

More information can be found at www.sfdpw.org and at the Great Highway Information page.

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