2 year traffic pilot program begins at San Francisco's Twin Peaks

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Some big changes took effect Wednesday at San Francisco's scenic Twin Peaks. Signs reading "Road Closed" greeted drivers. The $50,000 project that's been in the works for quite some time is all part of an effort to make Twin Peaks more pedestrian and bike friendly.

There was a learning curve for those taking the curves of Twin Peaks Boulevard to get to the scenic overlook.

"I was unclear which way to go," said one person. "I'm not sure what the change is all about."

The change is a two year pilot program that the SFMTA launched Wednesday. ABC7 News was there as crews put up signs and barriers.

"It's about taking an iconic location in San Francisco and making it into an even better place for people to go who might be walking or riding their bikes up there," said Miriam Sorell with SFMTA.

A rendering of the new roadway configuration. It shows a portion of the eastern stretch of Twin Peaks Boulevard. The side with the breathtaking views is now car free. On the western side, what had been a one way road has been converted into a two-way street for cars.

Muni says the changes are not the result of a crash that killed a pedestrian in 2012, but activists say the redesign will help with safety.

"The improvement to Twin Peaks will definitely make it safe and will, you know, work to prevent crashes that have been taking place like the one in 2012," said Nicole Ferrara with Walk SF.

But there has been opposition from tour bus companies and some neighbors who say the roadway is more dangerous with the two-way traffic. But pedestrians and bicyclists we talked to like the change.

"It's wide and it's a nice spot so it'll be good," said a bicyclist.

Another woman added, "I love it when they shut down the streets so I can bring the dog."

If Muni considers the experiment a success, it could become permanent.

Click here to learn more about the pilot program.