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APEC traffic: Highways, roads near SFO to see short-term closures, officials warn

A man with a suitcase passes a sign promoting the APEC summit at San Francisco international airport.
Travelers arriving at San Francisco International Airport are welcomed by the Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation signs in San Francisco on Friday. Travelers flying in and out of SFO should expect increased traffic in the coming days as people and world leaders descend on the city for APEC. | Source: Julie Makinen/The Standard

San Mateo County officials warned of traffic disruptions near San Francisco International Airport related to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit that starts this weekend. 

President Joe Biden and other heads of state are expected to descend on the Bay Area for the conference that starts Saturday and runs through Nov. 17 and is prompting the closure of some highway off-ramps and streets in San Francisco.

READ MORE: APEC San Francisco: Everything To Know About Security, Traffic and Transit in 10 Maps

SFO is located in San Mateo County, and county officials said drivers should expect to see short-term closures on highways, such as 101, leading from the airport to the city as motorcades from the heads of state arrive in the region.

“We urge anyone driving or taking public transportation during APEC, especially in the North County, to expect delays and to check 511.org and other sources for real-time information about delays,” county Department of Emergency Management director Shruti Dhapodkar said.

RELATED: APEC Forces Closure of Downtown San Francisco Museum

The Federal Aviation Administration is expected to institute a 30-mile no-fly zone around SFO that will prohibit most noncommercial flight activity, and people can expect to see increased military and law enforcement activity, county officials said. 

Businesses at the airport will remain open during the conference.

READ MORE: Bay Bridge Closure: APEC Security Measures Will Close Bridge Lanes, Causing Traffic Chaos

The San Mateo County Transit District said SamTrans buses on routes 292, 397, 398, FCX and 713 will have detours next week related to the conference. More details on the detours can be found at https://www.samtrans.com/apec-2023.

Caltrain service is not expected to be affected by the conference because its stations are not within enhanced security zones in San Francisco, though riders are warned that protests related to APEC may affect people disembarking at stations in the city.