Bay Area drivers face major delays this weekend as Hwy. 101, Carquinez Bridge projects begin
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Drivers across the Bay Area should prepare for significant traffic delays this weekend as major construction projects affect both San Francisco and the North Bay.
In San Francisco, Caltrans crews will close two lanes in both directions of Highway 101 near Hospital Curve from 11 p.m. Friday through Monday morning.
The lane reductions are part of a road improvement project aimed at reducing flooding in the corridor ahead of the upcoming winter storm season.
"This is really needed because if you remember when there's big storms, the area floods a lot," said Caltrans spokesperson Pedro Quintana. "New drains will help crews fix the issue and be ready for next storm season."
The closure will impact about a one-mile stretch of the Bayshore Freeway near Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital.
Residents who live near the freeway say the area is already known for congestion.
"What I can tell is it's gridlock all weekend long," said Potrero Hill resident Karen Schneider.
Schneider says she's personally experienced lengthy backups around Hospital Curve.
"I've definitely been stuck in two to three hours of traffic trying to get to and from Oakland on a weekend for a catering job," she said.
For workers who regularly commute into the city, the construction means adjusting travel plans. "For most people coming to the city, it's going to be frustrating," said Isabella Japec, who works weekends at Deli 23 near San Francisco General Hospital and commutes from the East Bay.
MORE: This Bay Area commute ranked California's most frustrating, new survey finds
Her solution: leave earlier. "Half an hour early," Japec said when asked about her plans for Saturday.
Caltrans is encouraging drivers headed into San Francisco to consider alternate routes, including Interstate 280 and Highway 1.
Meanwhile, another major traffic impact is expected in the North Bay, where the westbound Carquinez Bridge will be fully closed for 53 hours beginning Friday night and continuing through early Monday morning.
The closure is part of a bridge deck replacement project.
"If you're heading down from Sacramento toward San Francisco, there will be no access past the 780 freeway," said Caltrans spokesperson Bart Ney.
Drivers traveling to communities such as Crockett, Rodeo and Hercules will be directed to use Highway 4 as part of the detour route.
Caltrans advises motorists to follow posted detours and expect delays on Interstate 780, Interstate 680 and the Benicia Bridge throughout the weekend.
Officials urge travelers to plan ahead, allow extra time for their trips and consider alternate routes whenever possible.
Highway 101, Carquinez Bridge projects snarls Saturday traffic
Drivers across the Bay Area are faced significant delays Saturday as two major Caltrans construction projects impact some of the region's busiest roadways.
"It took me 30 minutes to get off the freeway. Insane," said Ruben Valez, who was traveling from San Francisco to Graton Resort & Casino in Sonoma County. "I didn't know this was happening today. I wouldn't have driven here."
Valez said it took him 45 minutes to travel just three miles on Highway 101.
Caltrans spokesperson Pedro Quintana said the drainage upgrades are designed to address a long-standing problem along the corridor.
"The goal for this weekend is to install new drainage," Quintana said. "You and I know driving the area, it does get flooded in the rainy season."
The roadwork has led to backups near Bay Bridge approaches and along Highway 101 onramps from Bayshore Boulevard.
Some residents say the congestion is altering their weekend plans.
"I have plans to go to my cousin's house in Richmond today, but I'm going to cancel because I don't want to get stuck in that," said San Francisco resident Jaime Cortez.
Meanwhile, in the North Bay, Caltrans crews are taking advantage of warm weather to complete a major repaving project on the westbound Carquinez Bridge.
"So far, so good," said Caltrans spokesperson Bart Ney. "The temperature is 80 degrees. That's why we had to close it to lay this down. We have 1,500 tons of asphalt we have to pour in two days, so we're after it."
Drivers traveling west on Interstate 80 out of Vallejo are encountering delays and detours. Traffic is being rerouted to Interstate 780, Interstate 680 and Highway 4.
Elsewhere, westbound Highway 37 experienced heavy stop-and-go traffic for miles as drivers searched for alternate routes.
"It sucks. We've got things to do, places to be. This is holding everything up," Cortez said.
Caltrans says the projects will improve safety and roadway conditions once completed, but officials are urging drivers to avoid Highway 101 this weekend if possible.
"Saturday through the weekend, avoid 101," Quintana said. "If you're catching a flight from SFO or going to a girls' lunch, avoid it because you're going to be late."
What Drivers Need to Know
- Highway 101: Reduced lanes near Hospital Curve in San Francisco through the weekend, use I-280 instead.
- Carquinez Bridge: All westbound lanes closed until Monday morning.
- Detour Route: I-780 to I-680 to Highway 4.
- Travel Advice: Allow extra time and consider alternate routes, especially when traveling to SFO or across the North Bay.
Caltrans expects the Carquinez Bridge to reopen Monday morning.
