The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit is set to take place in San Francisco from November 11 to 17, 2023. The summit has been designated as a National Special Security Event, requiring heightened security measures in and around the city of San Francisco. Here’s what you need to know about traffic, transit, and parking during the APEC Summit in San Francisco:
- Road Closures: The APEC Summit will cause major road closures in San Francisco, particularly in the Yerba Buena neighborhood. The following closures will be in effect during the APEC Summit to ensure the safety and security of attendees and residents:
- The Bay Bridge will be closed to all non-APEC traffic from November 11 to 17.
- The Golden Gate Bridge will be closed to all non-APEC traffic from November 14 to 16.
- The Moscone Center area will be closed to all non-APEC traffic from November 11 to 17.
- Transit Disruptions: Public transportation will be impacted by the APEC Summit. Buses and trains may experience delays or detours due to road closures and increased security measures. The SFMTA has set up a special page of its website dedicated to the traffic detours and Muni lines impacted by the conference.
- Parking Bans: San Franciscans living and working in the Yerba Buena neighborhood will be forced to deal with parking bans during at least three days of the APEC Summit. Downtown residents and businesses have also been told of parking bans and food delivery limitations during the summit.
If you need to travel in and around San Francisco during the APEC Summit, plan ahead and allow extra time for your commute. Consider alternative modes of transportation, such as biking or walking, if possible. While the road closures, transit disruptions, and parking bans may cause some inconvenience, they are necessary to ensure the safety and security of all attendees and residents during this important event.
The APEC Summit is a major diplomatic event that will bring together leaders from 21 member economies, including President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. San Francisco Chinatown leaders are concerned that the new security measures for APEC, including numerous road closures and transit adjustments, could limit tourism in the area. However, SFMTA has vowed to make access to Chinatown as easy as possible during the summit.
