The fate of a coastal roadway unexpectedly became one of the most divisive political fights this election season in San Francisco, turning the sleepy west side into a campaign battleground.
Proposition K, introduced by Supervisor Joel Engardio, aims to permanently ban private vehicles from a two-mile stretch of the Upper Great Highway between Lincoln Way and Sloat Boulevard. The southern part of the road connecting to Daly City will soon be closed to cars due to erosion. The roadway is currently open to car traffic on weekdays and closed on weekends for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Prop. K passed according to vote returns published Friday.
In a statement, Engardio highlighted that the ballot measure received citywide support, and believed people will come to love a future ocean beach park.
He also acknowledged the idea of road closure faced fierce opposition from his own district.
“Yet a majority of Sunset residents voted against a full-time park,” he said. “It’s impossible for everyone to agree with my actions 100% of the time. When we disagree, it’s important to focus on solving common concerns.”
Prop. K garnered outsize attention this election season, highlighting division along economic, racial, and generational lines and increasingly intense debates between drivers and advocates for bicyclists, pedestrians, and public transit.
Supporters of Prop. K promoted the measure by saying it would allow for the creation of a new park.
“In a city with many dangerous streets, Ocean Beach Park will be a place for people of all ages, especially seniors and children, to walk without fear,” said Brian Quan, a Richmond District resident who serves on the executive committee of the Sierra Club.
Opponents argued that the closure would push more cars into surrounding neighborhoods, increasing traffic congestion and travel time.
“Working families are understandably concerned about the increased traffic and safety risks on neighborhood streets,” said Vin Budhai, who lives in the Sunset and founded the Open the Great Highway campaign. “With nearly 20,000 drivers now facing longer commutes, we have to ask — how is this benefiting our environment?”
Opponents also decried Engardio’s decision to place the measure on a citywide ballot though it will disproportionately impact the west side. Some viewed it as a project driven by wealthy tech workers who can work remotely, as the Prop. K campaign raised significant funding from tech leaders, including $300,000 from Yelp founder Jeremy Stoppelman.
While three major mayoral challengers — Daniel Lurie, Aaron Peskin, and Mark Farrell — opposed Prop. K, the measure received prominent political support, winning endorsements from the San Francisco Democratic Party, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, and Mayor London Breed.
“Our unique Pacific Ocean coast should be a renowned destination, open for San Franciscans to enjoy every day,” Pelosi said in a rebuttal argument in the city’s official voter guide.
After the passage, the Great Highway won’t close immediately. Rather, it has triggered a long process requiring local planning and state approval to eventually close it down.