Drivers cope with safety issues on new Presidio Parkway

SAN FRANCISCO (KTVU) -- Less than one day after the new Doyle Drive -- the Presidio Parkway -- opened in San Francisco, there are concerns about its safety.

Caltrans crews started closing lanes Monday night to do some re-striping work after it became clear improvements were needed.

During the first full day the $1.1 billion main route to and from the Golden Gate Bridge was open, the project architect noticed a potential safety problem for those heading into San Francisco.

"There's an adjustment in lanes that you got to make too suddenly because you've been sailing along on a relatively gentle curve, then suddenly there's this little wobble that comes in," said Michael Painter.

He's concerned drivers speeding into the second of two news tunnels might be caught off guard by the lane alignment which he says "perhaps wasn't reviewed as carefully as it should have been."

Caltrans officials insist the roadway is safe, but told KTVU they are making adjustments to the lanes.

"It's not the final configuration so there's still a lot of work that needs to be done," said Bijan Sartipi, Caltrans District 4 Director.

He stressed the current striping is temporary and that once the necessary retaining walls are built, the final configuration will be in place and provide a "smooth transition."

Sunita Rao of Corte Madera drove the new parkway Monday morning and said she was surprised by the S-curve.

“It’s not ideal, but I’m sure they’ll work the kinks out,” said Rao.

Caltrans said the S-curve will be removed once the remaining constructions projects wrap up. The agency said if drivers obey the 35 mph speed limit, they shouldn’t have a problem.