President Barack Obama's visit will cause some traffic headaches in San Francisco. But his visit is just part of a very busy Friday, from the City to the Peninsula on down to the South Bay.
President Obama is scheduled to land at San Francisco International Airport at 3 p.m. Friday. The president will attend a private Democratic National Committee event and then an evening fundraiser at the W Hotel at Third and Howard streets.
Though the president’s security detail rarely discloses the specific route the president will take from SFO, Highway 101 is the most direct route between the airport and the South of Market destination. Wherever the presidential motorcade goes, so go the road blocks, and the congestion, all for the sake of security.
This likely means a wrench in the early-evening commute for motorists heading north on 101 from SFO into the City. The biggest issue, though, will be the traffic near the fundraiser. With the expected road closures around the W Hotel, combined with the throngs of supporters and protesters filling the sidewalks, plus with the normal afternoon commute in, out and through the area south of Market Street, and Fleet Week visitors – a doozy of a slowdown is in store for SF city streets in the area.
The president will remain overnight in San Francisco. On Saturday, Oct. 11, the president will attend a DNC roundtable. Following these events, he will return to Washington, D.C. about 11:15 a.m.
ON THE PENINSULA
In Palo Alto, it’s college football causing major traffic headaches Friday night. Stanford hosts Washington State. School officials are warning football fans to arrive early, because parking will be limited. Kickoff is at 6 p.m.
And watch for traffic delays in Mountain View. There's a hip-hop concert at the Shoreline Amphitheater with several big artists, including Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, The Game and Warren G all performing. Expect traffic delays to start as fans arrive around 4 p.m.
IN THE SOUTH BAY
Local
The 49ers are on the road this week but football at Levi’s Stadium could slow traffic in the area nonetheless: It’s Friday night lights on NFL turf.
There are four high school football games this weekend. Friday’s double-header features Santa Clara High School vs. Wilcox at 5 p.m., followed by Elk Grove vs. Jesuit High School at 8 p.m.
Saturday, Oakdale High School takes the field against Manteca at noon, and James Logan will play De La Salle at 3 p.m.
