Bay Bridge overnight closures start this week through October for painting, Caltrans says
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Construction is underway on a Bay Bridge project that will bring overnight lane closures for the next three months, with transportation officials warning drivers to expect impacts on eastbound traffic.
Beginning Monday, up to four eastbound lanes on the bridge's lower deck will be closed from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Sunday through Thursday nights. Caltrans said the closures are needed for bridge painting work as part of a larger project scheduled for completion by 2031.
Eastbound Bay Bridge Lane Closures:
- Lane 1: 10 p.m. - 7 a.m.
- Lane 2: 11 p.m. - 7 a.m.
- Lane 3: 12 a.m. - 6 a.m.
- Lane 4: 1 a.m. - 5 a.m. (Thursday's Lane 4 will close at 2 a.m.)
This week, there were no lane closures on Sunday, and Monday's closures began at 12:45 a.m. That's when they will begin on Tuesday as well.
The lanes will be closed from the San Francisco Anchorage/Rincon Hill to the Yerba Buena Island Tunnel, Caltrans said. All lanes will reopen each morning.
Platforms and scaffolding will be temporarily erected on the upper portion of the lower deck, allowing crews to paint the structural steel.
"The project is designed to enhance the durability and long-term safety of the bridge," Caltrans said.
For some nearby residents, traffic-related disruptions are already a familiar part of life.
San Francisco resident Eric Morrow said the bridge is heavily congested for much of the day and worries the construction could create additional noise.
"The more noise is when something's happening that the drivers didn't predict," he said.
After learning the closures would affect travel lanes rather than ramps, Morrow reacted bluntly.
"I was kind of hoping you were saying that they're going to shut down these two on-ramps. You're saying the opposite. Yeah, that's going to suck," he said.
Others expressed frustration about the scope of the project.
"That's crazy. That's ridiculous," Oakland resident Carmen Rosales said.
Caltrans said the overnight schedule was chosen to affect the fewest number of travelers. Even so, some drivers said traffic volumes can still be significant outside traditional commute hours.
"Usually pretty busy. Right now, I got lucky, and it wasn't as hectic, given it is Sunday, but I know weekdays are a little busier," said Kyley Dau of Oakland.
Residents also noted that unexpected travel needs can make overnight delays particularly challenging.
"I have a coworker; his mom lives out here, so I know he's driving back and forth for emergencies. I could just imagine how bad that is for him," Dau said.
In a statement about traffic impacts last month, Caltrans said: "Caltrans will continue to coordinate closely with its partners to ensure timely, clear, and accurate public communications regarding planned lane closures."
As construction begins, some neighbors said drivers should prepare ahead of time.
"You've been warned. Plan accordingly. Don't come here," Morrow said.
Bay City News contributed to this story.
