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What was once a four-lane roadway along Ocean Beach is now at the center of one of San Francisco’s most divisive neighborhood debates. In March 2025, the Great Highway was permanently closed to cars and transformed into Sunset Dunes Park — a decision that caused the political landscape of the Sunset District to change. While supporters celebrate expanded public space and oceanfront access, many local residents say the citywide vote left their community feeling overlooked, igniting controversy over traffic, representation, and who gets to decide the future of a neighborhood.

The closure of the highway was a citywide vote, many residents in the Sunset argue that the decision should not have been opened up to the whole city, as the burden of the park would only affect sunset resident . Concerns about traffic, commute times, over population and lack of local representation all led to the recall of district 4 supervisor Joel Engardio. 

The Great Highway once served as a key roadway connecting Lake Merced at its southern end to the Cliff House in the north. For many Sunset residents, it was a way to avoid congestion on Sunset Boulevard. Since the highway’s closure, some locals say they have already noticed an increase in traffic on nearby streets.

“On La Playa, you already have people running stop signs, and now it’s just even worse,” said Sam, a San Francisco resident.

While increased traffic remains a concern for some residents, others say they have not experienced major changes since the closure.

“I live four blocks from here. I don’t see increased traffic. I commute south every day, and I don’t see any increased traffic,” said Kari, a Sunset resident.

As the debate continues, the future of the Great Highway may once again be decided at the ballot box. Alan Wong, the newly elected District 4 supervisor, plans to reintroduce a compromise proposal that would reopen the road to cars on weekdays while keeping it closed on weekends.

For some residents, the proposal represents a middle ground between preserving commuter access and maintaining public space along the coast.

“Even though we didn’t vote for it, we’re trying to embrace the park,” said Dean, a Sunset resident. “If it goes back on the ballot, I will still vote for the compromise.”

With opinions still divided, Sunset Dunes Park remains both a recreational space and a symbol of ongoing tension over transportation, representation, and neighborhood decision-making in San Francisco.