It's been 26 years since the California Cable Car Line has been upgraded. But shortly after Christmas Eve, the SFMTA closed it for the second phase of their Infrastructure Improvement Project that will continue through until summer. This construction will entail:

• "Replacing aging electronic and mechanical components underneath the cable car trackway to ensure the continued safe operation of the cable car system"
• "Reconstruction of concrete streets between Mason Street and Kearny Street"
• "Street repaving along California Street"

The street closure was originally scheduled for January 3rd, but after a cable snapped on Christmas Eve, the SFMTA decided to shut down the cars a week early. And looking at San Francisco's recent $2.1 million settlement for a 2008 derailment case against 4 injured passengers and other mechanical failures that the cable cars have experienced, this revamp has been much needed.

Construction has been continuing from Monday to Saturday from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. with surrounding business still open. Muni bus shuttles are substituting this cable car service from 6:30 A.M. to 12:30 A.M. The trolley coach on the 1 California bus route will still run, as will the Powell-Mason and Powell-Hyde cable cars. For more information, visit the Department of Public Works website.