10. Infrastructure + Streets

Renewal Program

The Plan proposes $1.2 billion in funding for Public Works renewal needs over the next 10 years, with $552 million coming from the General Fund, as shown in Chart 10.1. SFPUC renewal projects are not represented in this curve.

Chart 10.1
Chart 10.1

The General Fund streets and right-of-way renewal program includes street resurfacing, curb ramp inspection and repair, median maintenance, plaza inspection and repair, sidewalk inspection and repair, street structure repair, and street tree planting, establishment, and maintenance. The street resurfacing program is by far the largest of these, with a planned investment of $822 million over the next 10 years.

The SFPUC’s renewal program includes sewer replacements, pump system rehabilitations, water storage upgrades, technology infrastructure improvements, and many other projects necessary to provide for San Francisco’s water, wastewater, and power needs. As noted above, SFPUC renewal projects are not included in the Service Area renewal curve as the General Fund does not fund the Enterprise Department's projects. For more information on SFPUC renewals, please see the narrative descriptions in the following pages.

Project Name Description
PW – Curb Ramp Inspection and Repair This project complements the Curb Ramp Program (see Enhancement section below) with funding to inspect and repair detectable tiles on existing ramps.
The estimated cost for curb ramp inspection and replacement is $12 million over the next 10 years. The Plan recommends $3.5 million from the General Fund towards this need, acknowledging that extraordinary circumstances due to COVID-19 may make
this challenging.
PW – Landscape Median Maintenance and Irrigation Repair  As San Francisco replaces more cement and concrete with green spaces, investment in maintaining these areas keeps them free of trash and promotes the health of plants. With more than 175 landscaped medians and open spaces across the city, irrigation systems require routine maintenance and repairs to prolong their useful lives and keep the landscaping in good condition. Healthy plants can also help reduce maintenance needs by out competing weeds.
The estimated cost for median maintenance is $161.2 million over the next 10 years. The Plan recommends $36.4 million from the General Fund towards this need, in addition to $36.0 million expected from the State, acknowledging that extraordinary circumstances due to COVID-19 may make this challenging. PW has also identified an additional $38.2 million in median enhancement needs. 
PW – Plaza Inspection and Repair Program Public Works is responsible for maintaining plazas throughout the City, including Blanken Bayshore, Embarcadero, Hallidie, Harvey Milk, Justin Herman, Mechanics, Mendell, Organ Pavilion, and United Nations Plazas. These plazas require annual inspection to determine the extent of any repairs that may be required.
The estimated cost for plaza inspection and repair is $5.2 million over the next 10 years. The Plan recommends $1.5 million from the General Fund towards this need, acknowledging that extraordinary circumstances due to COVID-19 may make this challenging. PW has also identified an additional $12.6 million in Plaza enhancement needs.
PW – Sidewalk Improvements and Repair Program  Public Works maintains sidewalks in three ways. First, the Bureau of Urban Forestry maintains sidewalks around city-maintained street trees. Second, the Bureau of Street Use and Mapping executes the Sidewalk Inspection and Repair Program; its goal is to inspect and repair every block on a 25-year cycle. Finally, the Bureau of Street Mapping has a reactive program called the Accelerated Sidewalk Abatement Program, which inspects locations based on complaints and issues notices of violation to property owners to compel them to repair their dangerous sidewalks.
The estimated cost for sidewalk improvements and repair is $53.1 million over the next 10 years. The Plan recommends $14.5 million from the General Fund towards this need, acknowledging that extraordinary circumstances due to COVID-19 may make this challenging. An additional $24.2 million is expected from other local sources.
PW – Street Resurfacing and Reconstruction 

Public Works oversees the maintenance of 865 miles of streets. Without regular resurfacing treatments, a street could end up costing the City four times more over the course of its life cycle. San Francisco uses the industry standard rating scale called the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) to score its streets. Public Works’ goal is to achieve and maintain a PCI of 75, which is considered “good” condition, however the PCI is projected to drop to 74 during this 10-year cycle given the funding constraints posed by the COVID-19 emergency.
The estimated cost to achieve and maintain a PCI of 75 is $1 billion over the next 10 years. Funding towards this need includes $31.5 million from the 2020 Health and Recovery G.O. Bond, $60 million from FY2023 and FY2024 Certificates of Participation, $256 million from the General Fund, and $474 million from a combination of federal, state, and other local sources.

PW – Street Structure Repair

The Capital Plan provides a strategy for the maintenance and renewal of 371 street structures including retaining walls, stairs, bridges, viaducts, tunnels, underpasses, and overpasses, plus numerous guardrails throughout the City. Work performed under this program includes general maintenance and major repairs of city street structures to maintain safety, proper operations of moveable bridges, and minimize long-term renewal costs. For this Plan, two major projects in this category include the Islais Creek and 4th Street bridges. The Islais Creek Bridge Rehabilitation project will include bridge machine equipment and system repair and upgrades, bridge deck and fender system replacement, bridge painting, and other damage and corrosion repairs. Proposed work on the 4th Street Bridge may include alterations and repairs to the south approach, modifications to structural steel bridge members, realignment of light rail tracks, and adjustment of counterweights.
The estimated cost for the Islais Creek Bridge project is $102.6 million, with $11.8 million being funded by the General Fund, and $90.8 million from a Federal grant. The estimated cost for the 4th Street Bridge project is $24.6 million, with $2.8 million being funded by the General Fund, and $21.8 million from a Federal grant.
The estimated cost for other street structure maintenance is $33.2 million over the next 10 years. Given anticipated funding constraints, the Plan allocates $8.2 million from the General Fund towards this need, acknowledging that extraordinary circumstances due to COVID-19 may make this challenging. PW has also identified an additional $37.7 million in Street Structure enhancement needs. 

PW – Street Tree Maintenance and Sidewalk Repair  Public Works is responsible for maintaining approximately 125,000 street trees. Proposition E of the November 2016 ballot set aside annual funding towards this need and Public Works will have the resources to maintain street trees on an average three-to-five-year cycle, inspect all street trees annually, and make sidewalk repairs on a similar cycle.
The estimated cost for street tree maintenance and related sidewalk repair is $267.8 million over the next 10 years, of which $231.4 is funded by the General Fund through Proposition E.
SFPUC Hetch Hetchy – Water Infrastructure 

The Water Infrastructure Renewal and Replacement program will include concept, development, design, and upgrades for operating, managing, and maintaining the Hetchy Water Infrastructure. In general, this includes water facilities from Hetch Hetchy Reservoir to Alameda East. The new and upgraded systems will have increased coverage, capacity or reliability, or improve employee safety and/or operating efficiency. The Hetchy water renewal program includes continued rehabilitation to the San Joaquin Pipeline (SJPL) including evaluation and assessment of structural integrity, structural upgrade of the pipeline and other projects including pipeline cathodic protection, coating and lining. New projects in the plan include the SJPL Valve and Safety Improvement Project to extend the useful life and safety of Hetchy Water assets.
Mountain Tunnel Improvement Project includes funding the tunnel portion of the project for improvements to enhance SFPUC's ability to provide reliable, high-quality water to its customers. This portion of the project was reclassified from Joint to a Water only asset for this Capital Plan.
The cost of SFPUC’s Hetch Hetchy – Water Infrastructure renewal and replacement projects is approximately $270.9 million through FY2031.

SFPUC Hetch Hetchy – Power Infrastructure

Many Hetchy Power systems, facilities, and equipment have reached the end of their useful life. Power generation will become less reliable if upgrades are not performed.
This program includes improvements at the Hetchy Powerhouses, rehabilitation of transmission lines and distribution systems, regulatory projects, and Power Infrastructure Project Development. Projects include upgrades to the Moccasin and Kirkwood powerhouses including protection, control and monitoring systems and equipment replacement and upgrades; transmission improvements projects including replacement of insulators, switches, tower infrastructure, grounding and protection; and regulatory projects that achieve clearance mitigation, resolve clearance discrepancies, and meet regulatory requirements. These renewals increase operational efficiency and decrease unplanned outages.
The cost of SFPUC’s Hetch Hetchy – Power Infrastructure renewal and replacement projects is approximately $168.6 million through FY2031. 

SFPUC Hetch Hetchy – Water and Power Joint Infrastructure 

There are assorted SFPUC projects that will support multiple enterprises. Communications projects provide upgrades of the communication systems elements to maintain pace with the changes in technology, and to maintain overall system reliability. Upgrades to dams and reservoirs will meet the Water Levels of Service and Power Operational Objectives; funding is included for O’Shaughnessy Dam to address deficiencies of the existing outlet works system, including the drum gates and release system through to Canyon Tunnel, the Tuolumne River, and Moccasin Dam. The Mountain Tunnel project will address deterioration in the concrete lining of the tunnel for continued reliability. Roads and bridges will make replacements and improvements as recommended in condition assessment reports and road improvements program to keep up access to Hetch Hetchy Water and Power facilities. Utilities projects will maintain the power distribution system in a state of good repair consistent with utility best practices to ensure 24/7 power.
The cost of SFPUC’s Hetch Hetchy Water and Power – Joint Infrastructure renewal and replacement projects is approximately $594.2 million through FY2031. These assets are jointly funded by Water (45%) and Power (55%) sources. 

SFPUC Wastewater – Collection System/Condition Assessment Project 

There are more than 80 miles of major sewers that have been in service for 100 years or more and are at the end of their useful life. This project includes cleaning and inspection of large diameter sewers, transport/storage boxes and collection system discharge/overflow structures. The results of the inspection program will inform the Renewal and Replacement Spot Repair and Collection System Sewer Improvements Programs (SSIP), as well as the SSIP sewer repairs. This project is a part of the on-going data gathering necessary for the Wastewater Enterprise Collection Systems Asset Management Program.
The cost of SFPUC’s Collection System/Condition Assessment Project is approximately $115.1 million through FY2031.

SFPUC Wastewater – Collection System/Sewer Improvement

This program maintains the existing functionality of the sewage collection system and includes planned and emergency repairs and replacement of structurally inadequate sewers. Failure of the collection system will reduce the City’s ability to handle and dispose of wastewater and stormwater which can lead to public health, safety and environmental risks, and non-compliance with the State discharge permit. Projects are identified utilizing an asset management approach which factors in physical condition, age, location, risk, public safety, paving schedule, and other factors. This program allows for the renewal and replacement of approximately 15 miles of sewer per year.
The cost of SFPUC’s Collection System/Sewer Improvement is approximately $1.07 billion through FY2031.

SFPUC Wastewater – Collection System/Large Diameter Sewers

This is a collection of large sewer improvement projects that will rehabilitate and/or replace Large Sewers (sewers greater than 36-inches in diameter or equivalent diameter) that have the highest risk for failure. The collection of projects (or subprojects) were identified in SSIP Phase 1.
The cost of the SFPUC’s– Collection System/Large Diameter Sewer Program is approximately $379.8 million through FY 2031.

SFPUC Wastewater – Treatment Plants  The Treatment Plant Improvement program helps maintain the capacity and reliable performance of the Wastewater treatment facilities owned and operated by the Wastewater Enterprise. This is a continuing annual program to extend the useful life of Wastewater treatment assets including Transport Boxes, Discharge Structures, Pump Stations, Force Mains, Tunnels and Treatment Plants.
The projects are prioritized based upon regulatory compliance, condition assessments, operation staff recommendations, and Level of Service goals which were formally adopted as part of the SSIP. The completion of projects under the Treatment Plant Improvement program will increase reliability and efficiency of Wastewater Enterprise facilities and ensure that the performance of the treatment facilities meets the established levels of service.
The cost of SFPUC’s Treatment Plants is approximately $334.1 million through FY2031.
SFPUC Water – Local Buildings and Grounds Improvements 

Capital improvements at City Distribution Division (CDD) facilities and structures are needed. Projects include a new fueling station, yard improvements to address health and safety issues and security, a comprehensive arc flash and electrical hazard study and construction of a seismically reliable building for CDD’s communications and control systems. Additional funding is included for a new CDD Headquarters at 2000 Marin to address life safety standards for seismic events, building code requirements and facilities that are past useful life.
The cost of SFPUC Water’s Local Buildings and Grounds Improvements is approximately $346.9 million through FY2031.

SFPUC Water – Local Water Conveyance/Distribution System

This program installs, replaces, and renews distribution system pipelines and service connections for the 1,230 miles of drinking water mains in San Francisco in order to meet customer level of service goals for uninterrupted service. Increased investment is needed to improve the annual replacement rate to 15 miles per year in order to minimize main breaks. Improvements include replacement, rehabilitation, re-lining, and cathodic protection of all pipe categories to extend or renew pipeline useful life. Additional projects include the Renew Services Program, Water Loss Reduction Program, the Sunset Pipeline/Potable AWSS, Automated Water Meter Program, New Services Connection Program, and Town of Sunol Pipeline projects.
The cost of SFPUC’s Local Water Conveyance/Distribution System is approximately $610.2 million through FY2031.

SFPUC Water – Local Pump Stations The SFPUC’s 12 major water pump stations and seven hydro-pneumatic tanks need ongoing renewal and rehabilitation. This program provides long term funding for renewal and rehabilitation of the water pump stations and hydro-pneumatic tanks including the automation of the five pump suction valves at Lake Merced Pump Station
The cost of SFPUC Water’s Local Pump Stations is approximately $2.7 million through FY2031.
SFPUC Water – Local Recycled Water Projects This program includes the San Francisco Westside Enhanced Recycled Water Project, funding new facilities to generate and deliver 2 MGD of recycled water for irrigation use in the western end of San Francisco. The project includes a new recycled water treatment facility consisting of membrane filtration, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet light disinfection; a 1.1-million-gallon storage reservoir; distribution pumping facilities; and five to six miles of new pipelines.
The cost of SFPUC Water’s Local Recycled Water Projects is approximately $4.7 million through FY2031
SFPUC Water – Local Tanks/Reservoir Improvements This program includes the renewal and rehabilitation of water storage reservoirs and tanks within the San Francisco Distribution System. Projects include improvements to the Sunset South and University Mound reservoirs and roof repairs at multiple locations to extend the useful service life of the reservoir.
The cost of SFPUC Water’s Local Tanks/Reservoir Improvements is approximately $19.1 million through FY2031.
SFPUC Water – Local Water Supply Projects  This program includes planning for local water diversification to explore alternative methods for expanding local water sources. Such sources include the Eastside Water Purification Project and Innovations for San Francisco ratepayers that highlight innovative water supplies and technologies.
The cost of SFPUC Water’s Local Water Supply Projects is approximately $7.7 million through FY2031.
SFPUC Water – Automated Meter Reading System This program addresses Automated Water Meter Program (AWMP) renewals needed through the 20-year system life (ending in 2031), and a replacement plan for the AWMP System by 2031.
The cost SFPUC’s Automated Meter Reading System Program is approximately $27.6 million through 2031.
SFPUC Water – Regional Buildings and Grounds Programs 

This program includes major improvements to the Sunol and Millbrae Yards. Sunol Yard improvements include LEED replacement facilities for maintenance shops and equipment storage, a new fueling center and administration building, re-surfacing of the yard, and demolition of six dilapidated structures. The project includes funding for the Alameda Creek Watershed Center that includes exhibits, classrooms, event space, outdoor picnic and play areas, trails, and gardens representing the watershed. Millbrae Yard improvements include a new maintenance shop, and equipment storage, demolition of a large unused abandoned building, a new parking lot, a new vehicle wash site, new laboratory, and office building to accommodate staff from the Rollins Road facility. The upgrades address occupational safety, reliability, and functional regulatory compliance.
The cost of SFPUC Water’s Regional Buildings and Grounds Programs is approximately $161.6 million through FY2031.

SFPUC Water – Regional Communications and Monitoring Program

This project will provide much needed redundant emergency communications capability and increased bandwidth for secure data transfer. Specifically, it will build a microwave backbone to link the entire SFPUC regional water system from the O’Shaughnessy Dam site in Yosemite to the rest of the SFPUC sites (San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Alameda counties).
The cost of SFPUC Water’s Regional Communications and Monitoring Program is approximately $7.7 million through FY2031.

 

 

The Hetchy Water Renewal and Replacement Program

Many Hetch Hetchy Water and Power facilities and system components are aging. Many have reached or exceeded their useful life. The condition of these facilities and equipment must be or has been assessed. Proposed projects are evaluated and prioritized based on risk (financial/criticality, safety and regulatory), efficiency of operations, and to provide a safe working environment for employees working in remote areas.

 

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