South San Francisco, CA September 4, 2015 Submitted by California Highway Patrol
The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) District will close the Transbay Tube between Oakland and San Francisco over the Labor Day weekend from Saturday, September 5 through Monday, September 7 for critical track maintenance, repairs and upgrades. There will be NO BART train service between Oakland and San Francisco this weekend.
A limited bus bridge will be established between San Francisco and Oakland, however this is intended as a “lifeline service” to those with no other options. The bus bridge will add a 1-2 hour delay to the normal BART ride between SF and Oakland.
The Transbay Tube services an estimated 80,000 riders traveling between San Francisco and Oakland during a typical weekend. Without this service, motorists can expect more cars on the road and additional congestion throughout the Bay Area.
The CHP encourages motorists to plan ahead and allow for additional travel time for any travel that involves the San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge or the San Mateo Bridge. Consider alternate routes which avoid the Bay Bridge if possible. If your weekend plans include a drive between San Francisco and Oakland, ensure your vehicle is in proper working order, and that you have sufficient fuel in case of major delays.
The CHP will deploy additional officers to patrol areas of increased congestion. Our goal will be to keep the roadways moving by promptly clearing traffic hazards and collisions, and to increase enforcement of violations which are most likely to cause crashes and increase delays. The Freeway Service Patrol will also be in service during daylight hours Saturday and Sunday to assist disabled motorists and those involved in collisions.
During the Transbay Tube closure, Caltrans will restrict access to the West Grand Avenue on-ramp Oakland to buses only. The West Grand Avenue on-ramp to I-580 E/B will be closed.
• We ask for the public’s help in lessening the traffic impact across the region by planning ahead:
o If your trip into or out of San Francisco is non-essential, consider changing your plans to an alternate weekend.
o Consider using alternate bridges, including the San Mateo Bridge, to get to your destination.
o Plan for increased travel times and longer delays, especially at junctions and the Bay Bridge Toll Plaza.
o Report disabled vehicles, traffic hazards, and collisions to the CHP by calling 9-1-1 so that officers can address incidents as quickly as possible.
o If you are involved in a minor collision with no injuries, please clear the lanes of traffic and move to the shoulder or off the freeway as quickly as possible.
Thank you for your help and assistance in keeping the Bay Area moving!
For more information regarding the closure, CLICK HERE