Geary Boulevard Sewer and Water Improvements Phase 2

Below is the expected construction schedule. All work, locations, and dates are tentative and may change at any time based on the contractor’s progress.

Some work will be completed faster than others. Depending on what aspect of work is being performed, construction duration can range from one day to all week.

Temporary parking restrictions will be necessary in active work zones during construction hours. Schedule is subject to change.
 

Week of March 23

Segment A (32nd to 12th Avenue)

Segment B (12th Avenue to Stanyan Street)

What is Cured-in-Place Lining (CIPL)?

Cured-in-Place Lining (CIPL) is a trenchless method to rehabilitate old sewer pipes without digging them up. A new synthetic pipe liner is inserted into the existing pipe, then cured (hardened) with steam to form a new pipe within the old one. Existing manholes are used as access points so no major excavation is required. 

Benefits of CIPL

• Less disruption to residents and drivers by avoiding extensive excavation and street repaving
• Reduced construction duration compared to open-cut construction method
• Less expensive than replacing the existing pipe
• Long-lasting, with a 50-year design life
• No interruption to sewer or water services 

How It Works

The pipe lining process typically takes two to three days and will be 24 hour continuous work. Water and sewer service will not be interrupted during this work.

1. Site Preparation: Crews clean the existing pipe and remove debris. Traffic restrictions are posted in advance, and the liner is prepared.
2. Liner Installation: A flexible felt liner saturated with resin is inserted into the existing pipe through a manhole access point. No major road excavation is required.
3. Curing: The liner is inflated with steam or water to press it against the interior of the host pipe. The heat cures the resin, forming a rigid, seamless new pipe within the old one. This is the stage during which odors may be detectable nearby.
4. Inspection & Completion: Once fully cured, the liner ends are cut and lateral connections are reinstated. A post-lining inspection is performed before crews demobilize.

Understanding Odors

The resin used to cure the liner may produce a distinct odor during the curing process. Odors typically dissipate quickly once curing is complete, but can occasionally migrate into nearby buildings.  

Active monitoring will be in place at all times during the work and adjustments made in real time if needed.

How to Minimize Odors Indoors

• Close street-facing windows and doors during active curing work. This reduces the entry of any outdoor odors into your space.
• Fill your p-traps. Run water for 30 seconds in every sink, tub, shower, and floor drain in your home or business. This fills the U-shaped trap that blocks sewer gases from entering your space.
• Cover drains. Place a wet towel or a rubber drain cover over any floor drains, especially in basements or laundry rooms where drains may not be used regularly.

The first phase of improvements along the Geary corridor was completed in 2021. That phase rehabilitated or replaced approximately 2.5 miles of aging sewers and replaced approximately 5.8 miles of aging water lines along Geary Boulevard from 48th to 32nd avenues and from Presidio Avenue to Kearny Street. Additional upgrades and transit improvements were also completed from Stanyan to Market streets. 

The second phase of Geary Boulevard work will bring these improvements to more of the corridor between 32nd Avenue and Stanyan Street. 

Work will include: 

Water System Upgrades: Rehabilitate or replace water mains and connect existing service laterals. This will involve a temporary interruption of water service to connect individual property's water laterals to the new water main. Advance notice will be provided. Work may be performed at night to accommodate neighborhood businesses which are affected by the temporary interruption of water service. 

Sewer System Upgrades: Rehabilitate or replace sewer main and connect existing laterals. Sewer service in the area will not be interrupted.

Transit and Safety Improvements: Work by the SFMTA, including sidewalk extensions (“bulbs”), new pedestrian medians and traffic signal work will be performed at spot locations. Learn more at SFMTA.com/Geary.  

Roadway repaving: Once the entire project has been completed, final paving will be performed by SF Public Works. 

We will be partnering with the SFMTA on this project. By partnering with other City departments, we can, when possible, time these crucial pipeline upgrades in coordination with other City projects. We call this our 'dig once' approach. Upgrading water and sewer pipes together with the SFMTA's planned surface level improvements minimizes disruption to the communities we serve. It also maximizes City resources by combining efforts into these large projects.

The process of replacing sewer and water mains involves multiple steps, so construction will not occur continuously. Crews will need to return to the same block several times to work, often with months between visits. Night and weekend work, as well as overnight road closures may be needed.

Temporary paving will be in place following the utility work. Final pavement restoration will be part of the SFMTA's surface level transit and safety improvements.

The following maps show the utility work (sewer, water, fiber) planned for each block*: 

• Stanyan Street to 3rd Avenue
• 3rd Avenue to 8th Avenue
• 8th Avenue to 12th Avenue
• 12th Avenue to 17th Avenue
• 17th Avenue to 22nd Avenue
• 22nd Avenue to 27th Avenue
• 27th Avenue to 32nd Avenue

*Maps do not indicate the exact location on the street where work will occur

Construction Start: October 2024

Construction End: Fall 2027

The Geary Boulevard Small Business Working Group has been developed to provide a space for merchants and the Project Team to engage on a regular schedule to share updates, explore challenges, discuss ways to reduce impacts and encourage business in the area during construction. 

Members must be a business owner or representative of an establishment located on Geary Boulevard between 32nd Avenue and Stanyan Street, or on an adjacent block within this area. 

Monthly meetings are focused on coordination between the Project Team and working group members on various topics, including:

• How to reduce construction impacts
• Ways to support businesses and encourage patronage during construction
• Ensuring information from the Project Team is reaching the intended audience, and exploring additional ways to extend reach and impact of project materials and updates
• Sharing updates and upcoming changes in work, sequencing, etc. 

Next Meeting:

Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 9 am

Fact Sheets

• Geary Boulevard Sewer and Water Main Replacement Fact Sheet
• Small Business Working Group Fact Sheet

Presentations

• Geary CAC Presentation - 10.11.2023
• Geary CAC Presentation - 7.10.2024
• Wastewater Subcommittee CAC Presentation - 9.11.2024
• Community Webinar Presentation - 10.09.2024

Community Webinar

October 2024 Community Webinar
Presentation by: Derek Adams, Project Manager, and Shalon Rogers, Public Outreach Manager

Read our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

GearyUpgrades@sfwater.org

(415) 554-3258