San Francisco officials respond to increase in traffic congestion from construction

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- San Francisco transportation officials are responding to the increase in road closures due to construction projects over the past year.

Almost anyone who drives in San Francisco knows the traffic has been getting worse.

"It's just bad, terrible. I'd rather bike than drive or park anywhere," San Francisco resident Tonya Garcia said.

TRAFFIC: Current road conditions and delays

"It's getting worse and worse every day especially with all the construction going on it's pretty ridiculous," San Francisco resident Joseph Carillo said.

Construction projects are a big part of the problem.

"Over the last decade we have seen more construction permits, which requires some road work on the streets, and it has caused congestion," SFMTA Spokesman Paul Rose said.

The number of construction permits issued has almost tripled in the last six years from 1,345 in 2010 to 3,945 in 2016. Transit officials say they do place restrictions on those projects.

"What we are doing is trying to minimize disruption during rush hours, and enforcing where we can where there's double parking, or getting more signage out there letting people know this roadway will be disrupted," Rose said.

Residents worry all this development just means things are going to get worse.

"So much construction and new housing, where are these people gonna park? It's a tough situation," Carillo said.