SSF Launches Shoreline Protection and Connectivity Study

Published on April 20, 2026

South San Francisco Launches Shoreline Protection and Connectivity Study to Address Sea Level Rise

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., April 20, 2026 - The City of South San Francisco has launched the South San Francisco Shoreline Protection and Connectivity Project Feasibility Study, a comprehensive initiative focused on strengthening climate resilience, improving mobility, and protecting a vulnerable and complex portion of the City’s shoreline from sea level rise. The study will help safeguard nearby residences, businesses, transportation infrastructure, and critical facilities such as the South San Francisco–San Bruno Water Quality Control Plant.

The study will evaluate options to enhance transportation connectivity east of Highway 101, address longstanding mobility challenges including gaps in safe pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, and develop adaptive strategies that support sea level rise adaptation goals and address coastal vulnerability.

“South San Francisco has always evolved to meet the needs of its time,” said Mayor Mark Addiego. “As the Industrial City and a global center for biotech and innovation, we recognize that protecting our shoreline and strengthening connectivity are essential to our economic vitality and quality of life. This study allows us to take proactive, science-driven steps to ensure our waterfront remains resilient and ready for the future.”

South San Francisco’s shoreline has transformed over the decades from tidal marshlands and landfill into a thriving hub of innovation, recreation, and mixed-use development. Today, it supports a world-renowned biotech cluster, thousands of jobs, and growing community amenities. However, its location along the Bay also presents increasing climate-related challenges.

The feasibility study represents the first step in developing long-term solutions that address both flood risk and transportation constraints. It will explore multimodal improvements aimed at enhancing transit access, reduce congestion, enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety, and strengthen links between employment centers, recreational areas, and surrounding neighborhoods.

The City has brought on a consultant team with expertise in inclusive community engagement, adaptive design, multimodal transportation planning, and ecological science.

Throughout the study process, the City will work closely with partner agencies, businesses, and community groups to ensure the plan reflects local priorities while balancing environmental stewardship and economic growth.

This work is supported through multiple state grants focused on climate adaptation and resilient infrastructure:

• Ocean Protection Council (OPC) Senate Bill 1 (SB 1) Grant – Provides funding for coastal communities to develop coordinated sea level rise adaptation plans and projects that strengthen resilience along California’s coastline and throughout San Francisco Bay.
• Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Grant (Climate Adaptation Planning) – Supports local and regional efforts to identify transportation-related climate vulnerabilities and develop strategies to protect infrastructure while promoting sustainable, safe, and accessible transportation across California.

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About the City of South San Francisco

The City of South San Francisco proudly remains The Industrial City, a reflection of its steel mill and ship building past, redefined to reflect the innovative, entrepreneurial, and industrious spirit which has made South San Francisco the Biotech Capital of the World, with nearly 250 active biotech companies and growing. A vibrant community of 66,185 residents with a daytime population of 90,000 workers and visitors, South San Francisco enjoys a high quality of life with an extensive public parks system, active library and learning programming, and a dynamic, engaged community making South San Francisco a great place to live, learn, work, and play.