West Portal Traffic Safety Evaluation Reports 75% Drop in Illegal U-Turns Near Muni Station

WEST OF TWIN PEAKS, San Francisco — A July 20, 2026 evaluation by San Francisco’s transit agency reports measurable changes to driver and pedestrian behavior near West Portal Station after a safety redesign.

SFMTA says illegal U-turns at the station declined by 75 percent after installation of a red transit lane. Its field observations found that 97 percent of drivers made lawful movements at West Portal Avenue and Ulloa Street and that 99 percent followed the left-turn restriction at Vicente Street. The agency also reported a 75 percent reduction in people walking across the middle of the rail tracks rather than at designated crossings.

The evaluation follows quick-build changes introduced after a fatal March 2024 crash. Observed improvements do not establish that the area is completely free of injury risk, and the figures describe specific measurements rather than guarantees for every moment of the day.

What residents should know

People crossing near the K, L and M rail lines should continue using marked crossings and obey signals. Residents can review SFMTA’s evaluation and contact the project team with concerns about compliance, sight lines or business access.

Official source: City agency or library.

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