If you are driving from San Francisco to the East Bay late Friday night, plan for delays. Caltrans is closing eastbound lanes on the Bay Bridge overnight from Friday, Oct. 30, at 11 p.m. until Saturday, Oct. 31, at 7 a.m. for its painting project.
When lanes close
Caltrans says the closures start about 500 feet east of the Sterling Street on-ramp and run for about 2.2 miles. The San Francisco Chronicle says that stretch extends nearly to Yerba Buena Island. They will be phased in:
- One lane closed at 11 p.m.
- Two lanes at midnight
- Three lanes at 1 a.m.
- Four lanes at 3 a.m.
All lanes are scheduled to reopen at 7 a.m. Saturday. Caltrans warns of "significant traffic impacts" and advises drivers to allow extra time, expect delays and consider other routes. The San Francisco Chronicle notes the timing could catch people heading home late from pre-Halloween parties.
Why the work is needed
The closures are part of Caltrans' Bay Bridge Painting Project, which the agency says will take five years to complete. The Chronicle reports that workers are coating the steel beams and trusses in metallic gray paint. Caltrans says the work protects steel parts from corrosion, extends the life of the bridge and lowers long-term maintenance costs.
Before you go, check Caltrans QuickMap for live conditions. For more on the bridge's history ahead of its 90th birthday, see our explainer.