Traveling along Ingleside's stretch of Ocean Avenue will be a bit different in 2026.
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency announced that work crews will begin painting the avenue's inside lanes red from Junipero Serra Boulevard to Lee Avenue. The monthslong quick-build project, which will include the installation of left-turn restriction signs, is expected to start as soon as the week of Jan. 12.
The forthcoming changes, approved as part of the K Ingleside Rapid project in March 2024, are designed to speed up trips on the K-Ingleside light rail line. (Ocean Avenue red transit lanes were first proposed in 2020 during the pandemic.)
"Transit lanes are a proven way to speed up Muni and reduce delays," the transportation agency announced. "Where we’ve made Muni Forward improvements like these, we’ve seen more people choose to ride Muni."
Once the red lanes go into effect, private vehicles will not be allowed to use the red transit lane except to turn left at some intersections and driveways. Transit lane usage can be enforced by cameras mounted on Muni vehicles.
The K-Line had about 13,500 boardings in November, according to SFMTA data.
The SFMTA has made several other changes to keep traffic moving along Ocean Avenue. The transportation agency re-timed traffic signals to give longer green lights for motorists, installed more loading zones and remodeled a handful of boarding islands to allow for two-car train boarding.
"After we add the transit lanes, we will monitor and evaluate how these changes are working," according to the SFMTA. "We’ll use that information to consider if any modifications are necessary."
Charm Coffee owner Kim Ramos told The Light she was concerned that the continued double parking on the avenue in front of her cafe would cause congestion in the red lane.
Crews will work between midnight and 5 a.m. to minimize disruptions. The agency expects to first paint the eastbound transit lane, and estimates work will last two to three months for each lane.
"While we expect this implementation work to have minimal impacts for people traveling through the area, watch for signs and workers, especially if you are traveling at night," the SFMTA said.
Turn Lane Restrictions
Left-turn restrictions will be implemented in January to keep transit stops clear of traffic and keep traffic flowing at the following intersections:
No left turn from Ocean Avenue onto Brighton Avenue (southbound)
No left turn from Ocean Avenue onto Plymouth Avenue (northbound)
No left turn from Ocean Avenue onto Miramar Avenue (southbound)
No left turn from Ocean Avenue onto Jules Avenue (southbound)
No left turn from Ocean Avenue onto Lakewood Avenue (northbound)
The SFMTA said these changes should improve safety for people walking on Ocean Avenue or waiting to board the train. In 2025, two pedestrians died in crashes on Ocean Avenue.
SFMTA staff will evaluate the turn restrictions for impacts once the red lanes are complete.
Alex Mullaney founded The Ingleside Light in 2008 during the peak of San Francisco's great tradition of neighborhood newspapers. He is the publisher and editor.
