As the excitement for Super Bowl LX between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots reaches a fever pitch, residents and visitors in the Bay Area are bracing for significant disruptions. But here's where it gets tricky: navigating the region just became a whole lot more complicated. Multiple road closures are now in effect across Santa Clara, San Francisco, and San Jose, impacting everything from daily commutes to game-day festivities. And this is the part most people miss—understanding these closures isn’t just about avoiding traffic; it’s about planning your entire week around them.
In Santa Clara, near Levi's Stadium, the epicenter of the action, drivers are in for a challenge. The Bay Area Host Committee warns that major thoroughfares like Great America Parkway, Tasman Drive, and Lafayette Street will bear the brunt of the congestion. Tasman Drive, a key route passing directly in front of the stadium, has been closed since January 28 and will remain off-limits until February 13. Controversially, some locals argue that these closures are overly disruptive, while others see them as necessary for safety and crowd management. What do you think—are these measures justified, or do they go too far?
To ease the pain, officials have mapped out detours. Local traffic can reroute via Great America Way, Great America Parkway, Lafayette Street, Calle De Luna, and Calle Del Sol. For those traveling from farther afield, a regional detour uses Highways 101, 237, Montague Expressway, Lawrence Expressway, and North 1st Street. Pedestrians aren’t off the hook either—sidewalk access on Tasman Drive is closed, with officials recommending the VTA Light Rail between Great America and Lick Mill stations as the most efficient alternative.
And this is where it gets even more complicated: On game day, closures will expand to include Old Ironsides Drive and Lick Mill Boulevard. Pedestrian access on Tasman Drive between Convention Center and Calle Del Sol will be restricted to credentialed staff and ticket holders. Meanwhile, the San Tomas Aquino Creek Trail in front of the stadium is closed to both pedestrians and cyclists until Tuesday. For a full breakdown, visit the Bay Area Host Committee’s website (https://www.sfbayareasuperbowl.com/getting-around).
In San Francisco, the closures are equally extensive, though less debated. The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency has announced multiple road closures through February 10, primarily around event venues. Affected streets include Howard Street, Folsom Street, 3rd Street, 4th Street, Jessie East Street, Jessie Street, and Minna Street. For specifics, check the SFMTA’s advisory (https://www.sfmta.com/press-releases/sfmta-transit-and-traffic-advisory-week-thursday-february-5-through-wednesday-february-11-2026).
In San Jose, the impact is more localized but still significant. San Carlos Street between Almaden Boulevard and Market Street will be closed in both directions through Monday, with lane closures between San Carlos and San Salvador streets. Access to the Hilton Hotel and the San Jose McEnery Convention Center will remain open. Outside downtown, Humboldt Street will see intermittent closures between South 7th and South 10th streets through Saturday as the Seahawks practice at San Jose State University.
Here’s the million-dollar question: Are these closures a necessary evil for hosting a global event, or do they unfairly burden local residents? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just trying to get to work, one thing’s for sure—this Super Bowl is reshaping the Bay Area’s landscape, if only temporarily.
