
How much is the toll on the Oakland Bay Bridge?
This means that the regular toll for crossing the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge will soon be $7. The Benicia-Martinez, Carquinez, Dumbarton, Richmond-San Rafael and San Mateo-Hayward bridge toll will also be increasing to $7.
How many cars go over the Oakland Bay Bridge daily?
Traffic on our roads and bridges increases proportionally: the 300,000 vehicles per day on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, will increase to some 363,000 vehicles by 2040. The attraction of the Bay Area means this growth will not abate.
Why did the Oakland Bay Bridge collapse?
Why did the Oakland Bay Bridge collapse? On the evening of October 17, 1989 during the Loma Prieta earthquake, which measured 6.9 on the moment magnitude scale, a 50-foot (15 m) section of the upper deck of the eastern truss portion of the bridge at Pier E9 collapsed onto the deck below, indirectly causing one death.
When was the new Oakland Bay Bridge built?
Bay Bridge, in full San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge, complex crossing that spans San Francisco Bay from the city of San Francisco to Oakland via Yerba Buena Island. One of the preeminent engineering feats of the 20th century, it was built during the 1930s under the direction of C.H. Purcell. It opened to traffic on November 12, 1936.

What type of bridge is the new Bay Bridge?
single anchored suspension bridgeThe San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge is made up of two bridge segments: a skyway structure/single anchored suspension bridge between Oakland and Yerba Buena Island, and a suspension span from the island to San Francisco. Connecting the two is the largest diameter bore tunnel in the world.
Is the Oakland Bay Bridge a double decker?
Design and Construction The Bay Bridge is a double-decker. The original design featured six automobile lanes on the top deck (three in each direction).
Why is the Oakland Bay Bridge is unique?
Unlike the western section and the original eastern section of the bridge, the new eastern section is a single deck carrying all eastbound and westbound lanes, making it the world's widest bridge, according to Guinness World Records, as of 2014.
Is the Bay Bridge a cable stayed bridge?
San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge (Eastern Span) The new structure is the world's longest self-anchored suspension bridge—the main cable is embedded in the east end of the deck rather than plugged into the ground.
Is the Bay Bridge bigger than the Golden Gate?
Instead the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, which is actually four times as long and much more than twice as busy as the Golden Gate Bridge, is painted an industrial gray and mostly crawls over the backwaters of San Francisco Bay, connecting the least lovely part of San Francisco with Oakland's prosaic waterfront.
Is Golden Gate Bridge Double Decker?
The idea of turning the Golden Gate Bridge into a double-decker has been around almost since the bridge was opened in 1937. But the closest we've come to getting a second deck was in the 1960s, when the Golden Gate Bridge District was searching for solutions to its growing traffic problem.
Can you walk across the Oakland Bay Bridge?
Opened to the public in 2013, the Bay Bridge Trail carries bicyclists and pedestrians across the majestic East Span of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, connecting the Oakland shoreline with Yerba Buena Island.
Why did the Bay Bridge collapse in 1989?
Oakland's revitalization was dealt a setback on October 17, 1989, when a strong earthquake caused significant damage to the Bay Bridge and caused a section of a major highway along the bay (a portion of it double-decked) to collapse; repairs on these were completed by the late 1990s.
What are the features of a suspension bridge?
A suspension bridge is a type of bridge in which the deck is hung below suspension cables on vertical suspenders. The basic structural components of a suspension bridge system include stiffening girders/trusses, the main suspension cables, main towers, and the anchorages for the cables at each end of the bridge.
What type of bridge is the Golden Gate Bridge?
Suspension bridgeTruss bridgeTruss arch bridgeGolden Gate Bridge/Bridge type
How is Bay Bridge anchored?
In a traditional suspension bridge like San Francisco's iconic Golden Gate, engineers use inches-wide steel cables to hang thousands of tons of concrete and steel over water, and those big cables anchor to the shore. The new eastern span of Bay Bridge (it's divided into two spans), designed by the joint venture of T.Y.
Did the Bay Bridge ever collapse?
Oakland's revitalization was dealt a setback on October 17, 1989, when a strong earthquake caused significant damage to the Bay Bridge and caused a section of a major highway along the bay (a portion of it double-decked) to collapse; repairs on these were completed by the late 1990s.
What type of bridge is the Golden Gate Bridge?
Suspension bridgeTruss bridgeTruss arch bridgeGolden Gate Bridge/Bridge type
Does the Golden Gate Bridge lift up?
0:183:04The Golden Gate Bridge - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThink about the suspenders that are worn over a person's shoulders to hold up pants in the same wayMoreThink about the suspenders that are worn over a person's shoulders to hold up pants in the same way the suspenders that hang down from the bridge cables hold up the platform or the cars drive.
How deep is the water under the Bay Bridge?
Want to swim over the deepest part of the bay? Maybe you've already done it and had no idea - you'll find the deepest water in our Golden Gate Bridge race just under the bridge at over 370 feet.
How is the Bay Bridge built?
Instead of building a single suspension bridge between the city and the island, the architects built two, supported by a massive center anchorage made of concrete. The center support settled into the bay 220 feet below the water line [source:DOT.ca.gov].
What is the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge?
The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge is the region's workhorse bridge, carrying more than a third of the traffic of all of the state-owned bridges combined. It is also a jewel along the San Francisco waterfront. The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge is made up of two bridge segments: a skyway structure/single anchored suspension bridge between ...
When will the bicycle path be open on Yerba Buena Island?
Due to unforeseen construction conditions encountered during construction of the new bicycle path on Yerba Buena Island as part of the Southgate Road Realignment Project there will be no bicycle or pedestrian access between Yerba Buena Island and Treasure Island until Mid-November 2021. This means no access on weekdays, weekends and holidays through mid-November 2021.
How long is the Bay Bridge?
The double-deck crossing extends 8 miles (13 km ) and consists of two end-to-end suspension bridges of 2,310-foot (704-metre) main spans and 1,160-foot (354-metre) side spans; an exceptionally large-bore tunnel through Yerba Buena Island that extends about 0.5 mile (about 800 metres); a cantilever bridge with a main span of 1,400 feet (427 metres); and a long viaduct to the Oakland shore. The greatest challenge in the construction of the Bay Bridge was the sinking to bedrock (some 265 feet [81 metres]) of the central anchorage for the two suspension bridges. This feat was accomplished by use of a multiple-dome caisson invented by Daniel Moran.
Why was the Bay Bridge closed?
In September 2009 the bridge was briefly closed to allow for replacement of a section of the eastern span, the upgrade being part of a plan to make the bridge more seismically sound. Bay Bridge after the San Francisco–Oakland earthquake of 1989.
What was the greatest challenge in the construction of the Bay Bridge?
The greatest challenge in the construction of the Bay Bridge was the sinking to bedrock (some 265 feet [81 metres]) of the central anchorage for the two suspension bridges. This feat was accomplished by use of a multiple-dome caisson invented by Daniel Moran. Bay Bridge.
Who designed the California bridge?
Instead, the bridge was essentially designed "in-house" by the State of California. The Chief Engineer for this bridge was Charles Henry Purcell. Charles E. Andrew acted as an assistant to Purcell. Andrew and Purcell relied heavily on Glenn Woodruff who acted as design engineer and was the only one of the three with substantial prior experience in large span bridge design. It is likely that a lot of the actual design work was done by Woodruff. As aforementioned, the bridge was essentially designed "in-house" however a Board of Consulting Engineers was appointed to provide oversight and input into the design process. One of the greatest bridge engineers of the 20th Century, Ralph Modjeski, was the chairman of the Board of Consulting Engineers. Leon Moisseiff another well-known bridge engineer, was also on the board. Numerous contractors were involved with various aspects of the construction of this bridge. Although other aspects of construction were equally or even more important, such as substructure construction, perhaps the most visible work, erection of the superstructure was erected by the American Bridge Company of New York, New York, which was also perhaps the most well-known and prolific of all involved contractors.
Why is the Bay Bridge important?
The Bay Bridge was the longest bridge in the world at the time it was built. It is also among the world's most complex bridges in that it incorporates a variety of different bridge types connected to form a single structure carrying two levels of traffic between San Francisco and Oakland, California. People may disagree as to whether the Bay Bridge is more important for its engineering, its role in transportation history or for its importance in the politics of the area. The structure is highly significant in all of these different ways.
What was the original bridge?
The original bridge was an all-American bridge... a structure built with American steel by the American Bridge Company. The replacement eastern bay spans in contrast are the pride of China. The United States apparently did not even have the ability to fabricate all the parts of the bridge.
Why are suspension bridges so unusual?
Suspension bridges were generally designed for situations were the longest possible span over a massive feature was desired . As such, most suspension bridges have two towers that allow for a single massive central span between those two towers, just like the Golden Gate Bridge. However, the Western Spans contain four towers forming two central suspension spans and four arm suspension spans. In a sense, the bridge is like two traditionally composed suspension bridges lined up one right after the other. This configuration makes the Western Spans unique and distinctive, giving the bridge a strong sense of identity. The repeating, graceful curves of the suspension cables also give the bridge a high level of aesthetic value.
How many pages are there in the Bay Bridge?
No other bridge has been documented so extensively and completely by the HAER program, with the documentation containing over 400 photos, 20 drawings, and 273 data pages composing a written narrative that is essentially a full-size book on the history and design of the bridge. Those interested in a detailed history of this bridge are encouraged to view their documentation.
What was the plan to demolish the eastern bay bridge?
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), decided that the best way to deal with one of the most important historic bridges in the country was to demolish approximately half of the entire bridge (specifically the eastern bay spans) and replace them with mundane slabs of concrete held in place by a cable-stayed-like structure . This decision was made despite apparent alternatives that included rehabilitation and retrofit against seismic-related damage. The planned demolition of of half of the San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge represents one of the greatest single losses of a historic resource in the modern history of the United States.
What is the difference between the upper and lower deck of the bridge?
The upper level carries westbound traffic, while the the lower level carries eastbound traffic. Originally, the lower deck was divided and also was able to carry railroad traffic.
San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge
In 1955, the American Society of Civil Engineers honored the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as one of the seven “Modern Civil Engineering Wonders” of the world.
Yerba Buena Island
Take the four-mile Bay Bridge Trail from the entryway off Shellmound Street in Emeryville to Yerba Buena Island and gaze up at the awe-inspiring tower of the new Bay Bridge.
Treasure Island
Treasure Island was created with bay fill in the late 1930s, and was the site for the 1939-40 Golden Gate International Exposition — or World’s Fair. Some 4,000 trees and 2 million flowering plants were planted for the occasion. Many of the palms and varieties of eucalyptus are still alive.
Bay Trail Expansion
Future plans for the redevelopment of Treasure Island include a mix of residential, hotel, marinas, restaurants, retail and entertainment venues — plus nearly 300 acres of parks and open space.
How long is the Oakland Bay Bridge?
One of the longest bridges in the United States, the Oakland Bay Bridge length is 7,180 m. In order to invite more visitors, a 2.2-mile path had been opened in 2016 for the pedestrians and cyclists to access the Treasure Island.
What is the name of the bridge that connects San Francisco to Oakland?
The Oakland Bay Bridge in San Francisco connects San Francisco to Oakland.
Why is the Oakland Bay Bridge so popular?
As Oakland Bay Bridge is popular all over the world due to its panoramic views, visitors ensure coming here at least once during a trip to the US.
What is the most famous bridge in San Francisco?
Oakland Bay Bridge: A Guide To This Scenic And Architectural Wonder Of San Francisco. One of the most popular attractions of the world, Oakland Bay Bridge is a global landmark in California. Besides this famous bridge, the western U.S. state of California is popular among domestic and international tourists for multiple reasons.
How many lights are there on the Bay Bridge?
Designed by the artist Leo Villareal, the Bay Lights make the Oakland Bay Bridge at night look awesome and sparkle too. There are 25,000 LED lights which makes the Bay Bridge shine to the best extent alongside the San Francisco skyline. The lights were installed to make the tourist attraction a must-visit place for the locals and tourists. However, you can visit this place to watch the lights. The night is a perfect time to see the incredible beauty of this bridge as lights literally transform its appearance in the nighttime.
What to do around the Bay Bridge?
Image Source. Popular things to do around the Bay Bridge also include a visit to Kaiser Center Roof Garden. Inspired by the rooftop garden, this garden is located atop the parking garage area. The firm Osmundson & Staley has designed and developed this garden on the rooftop.
How to see San Francisco?
One best way to see San Francisco is on foot and you can do this by walking along the famous Embarcadero. Apart from the panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, tourists get an opportunity to take photographs and enjoy the scenic beauty. During the walk, you can stop at the Exploratorium, a popular museum in this area. This museum is home to more than 600 hands-on exhibits which motivate the visitors.
What are some interesting facts about the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge?
Long overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge is, in actuality, a lengthy set of bridges that spans San Francisco Bay and connects the two cities. 1.
Where was the Bay Bridge earthquake?
The quake, centered in the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains, sheared the bolts holding the upper deck of the eastern span of the Bay Bridge, causing a 50-foot section to plummet to the lower level and kill one person.
How many bridges were built on Yerba Buena Island?
From Yerba Buena to Oakland they constructed a third bridge, composed of a cantilever bridge and viaduct. All told, the trio of bridges (and the tunnel on Yerba Buena, not counting approaches, toll plazas, and similar structures) spanned 23,000 feet, or 4.5 miles.
How many people died building the Brooklyn Bridge?
Out of the 8300 men who worked on the bridge, 24 ultimately perished. By comparison, around 27 workers (out of 600) died constructing the Brooklyn Bridge, and 11 died building the nearby Golden Gate Bridge, though a support net saved 19 men from plummeting to their deaths. 8.
Why did the Bay Bridge never come to fruition?
The project, however, never came to fruition due to financial and technological impediments.
Who was the mayor of San Francisco in 1912?
James Rolph served as mayor of San Francisco from 1912 to 1931, earning the nickname “Sunny Jim” from his use of the song “Smiles” as his campaign theme song. He was then elected governor of California in 1931 but died in office three years later.
A History of Growth
In 1769, Spanish explorers discovered the entrance to the San Francisco Bay and its surrounding lands, which eventually would house the populous modern-day cities of Oakland, San Francisco, and San José.
The Original Bay Bridge
The first bridge crossing the bay between San Francisco and Oakland opened to traffic on November 12, 1936. The structure consisted of two back-to-back suspension spans, a tunnel on Yerba Buena Island, a cantilevered truss span, and several through and deck truss spans.
Retrofitting the Inventory
Today, Caltrans owns and operates 7 bay area crossings, which include 10 bridges at Antioch, Benicia-Martinez (2 bridges), Carquinez (2 bridges), Dumbarton, Richmond-San Rafael, San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge (2 bridges), and San Mateo-Hayward.
Schedule of the East Span Replacement
Caltrans gave special consideration to the Bay Bridge and the Benicia-Martinez Bridge, which the California State Legislature designated as "lifeline structures" because of their locations along transportation corridors crucial for emergency relief and economic revitalization following a major earthquake.
East Span Replacement Project
Replacing the Bay Bridge's east side span has occurred in several phases. In 1998, Caltrans selected a single-tower self-anchored suspension (SAS) design as the signature span for the bridge.
Innovative Scheduling Solutions
As the largest bridge project in California's history, the Bay Bridge's east span replacement required the monumental task of monitoring the progress of 21 contracts. Caltrans had to keep track of each contract to prevent costly delays and to analyze the potential risks.
Facts and Figures for the East Span Replacement Project
The original east span of the Bay Bridge suffered damage in the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989 when 50-foot (15-meter) spans failed.
What bridge connects Oakland and San Francisco?
San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge links the cities of Oakland and San Francisco and crosses the San Francisco Bay along I-80. Drivers pay tolls in the westbound direction at the eastern side of the bridge.
How long do you have to pay a toll after crossing the bridge?
You have 48 hours to pay a toll after crossing the bridge. Payments can be made online, over the phone or in person by contacting the Customer Service Center. This is a good choice for rental vehicle users. Learn more about opening a short-term one-time payment account.
Can you pay tolls on a Bay Area bridge?
If you travel over Bay Area bridges regularly and do not want a prepaid toll tag, consider opening a License Plate Account. This type of account is now eligible to pay tolls at all Bay Area toll bridges. License Plate Accounts are not recommended for rental vehicle users. Learn more about opening a License Plate Account.

Introduction to The San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge
An All American Bridge from 1936-2013. Half A Monument to China from 2014 Onward
- California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), decided that the best way to deal with one of the most important historic bridges in the country was to demolish approximately half of the entire bridge (specifically the eastern bay spans) and replace them with mundane slabs of concrete held in place by a cable-stayed-like structure. This decision was made despite apparent alternatives t…
Details About The Western Spans
- The Western Spans of the Bay Bridge are primarily composed of the six massive suspension spans of the Bay Bridge, stiffened by a riveted Warren truss system. Towers for the six suspension spans are composed of riveted steel, with an overall design that includes a massive lattice pattern of bracing between the tower posts. From a historic and technological standpoint, …
Details About The Eastern Spans
- The Eastern Spans consist primarily of truss spans. The main feature is the enormous cantilever through truss structure which is an extremely important historic structure, and one of the most important examples of its type in the country. When it was built, it was the longest spanning and heaviest cantilever bridge in the United States. It remains among the longest spans ever built. It…
Eastern Spans (Cantilever Truss Bridge) Demolition Plans
- The San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge does not apparently enjoy the protection and perpetual existence that the nearby Golden Gate Bridge seems to enjoy. Caltrans is currently building a replacement bridge for the Eastern Spans on a slightly new alignment. Following the completion of this new bridge, the entirety of the historic Eastern Spans will be demolished, resulting in the …
Eastern Spans (Cantilever Truss Bridge) Comments on Replacement Bridge
- The replacement bridge type is as a self-anchored suspension bridge. Because of the self-anchored design, Caltrans thinks the bridge is something revolutionary and state of the art. However, a self-anchored suspension bridge presents nothing new or remarkable to the engineering world. After all, Pittsburgh has three self-anchored suspension bridges, which datin…
About This Bridge's Public Photograph Compilation
- In addition to photos taken by HistoricBridges.org, the photo galleries for this bridge include two Public Photograph Compilations (PPCs), which are composed from select photos from public repositories like Flickr, and organized and combined into the familiar HistoricBridges.org photo gallery format. The photos are legally offered by HistoricBridges.org under the terms of a Creativ…