Redwood City – Street and highway closures, detours and delays should be expected in San Mateo County beginning Saturday as world leaders and others descend on the Bay Area for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference.
Roughly 30,000 conference attendees, including heads of state from the 21 member economies, dignitaries, delegates and members of the media are expected for the November 11-17 APEC Economic Leaders’ Week. The White House has confirmed that President Joe Biden will be in attendance.
While San Francisco is the host city, dozens of official and unofficial events and tours are expected throughout the region.
The County is activating its Emergency Operations Center as the centralized location to support local need and assist regional partners as needed.
San Francisco International Airport is expected to be the chief gateway for attendees.
“We can expect numerous motorcades as well as short-term closures on freeways leading from SFO to San Francisco,” said Shruti Dhapodkar, the County’s director of the Department of Emergency Management. “We urge anyone driving or taking public transportation during APEC, especially in the North County, to expect delays and to check 511.org and other sources for real-time information about delays.”
The Federal Aviation Administration is expected to institute a 30-mile no-fly zone surrounding San Francisco International Airport that prohibits most non-commercial flight activity due to security concerns. However, residents can expect increased military, law enforcement and helicopter flight activity. Businesses at the San Carlos and Half Moon Bay airports will remain open.
Michelle Durand
Chief Communications Officer
mdurand@smcgov.org