Improvements of the most dangerous highway in San Francisco are starting to begin. The 19th Avenue corridor, which saw four pedestrian deaths this year including SF State student Sandy Kim, is finally beginning to see improvements thanks to State Senator Leland Yee (D-San Francisco), SFMTA and Caltrans.

A new left turn signal is in place on the intersection of 19th Avenue and Sloat where Kim was killed last month.

“This intersection has been an ongoing problem and finally it is being handled,” said Yee.

Yee has been working with Caltrans and SFMTA to get plans going on several project improvements along the corridor. He has been working for many years since he has been on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors trying to improve pedestrian safety, “This new light is not the end all, be all, but this is the first step in pedestrian safety,” said Yee.

He was joined by Assemblywoman Fiona Ma (D-San Francisco), Bijan Sartipi, Caltrans director for District 4, Director Bon Lee of San Francisco Parking and Traffic, and San Francisco Supervisor Carmen Chu.

“There are going to be a number of improvements along 19th Avenue and a step up effort to makes the changes as soon as possible,” said Chu.

Phase 1 of the improvements along 19th Avenue will begin next month with 10 intersections being worked on including 19th Avenue and Holloway.

“For SF State we want to separate the pedestrians and vehicles with a possible pedestrian walkway. But I am in talks with Caltrans to figure something out for SF State students because that intersection is also dangerous as well,” said Yee.

The next two phases of improvements will begin next year. “These improvements are not foolproof. Drivers and pedestrians need to be vigilant and watch out for themselves as well,” Yee said.