The installation of new, movable median barriers on the Golden Gate bridge is scheduled from January 10 – 12, 2015. After installation, the merge for southbound traffic will be different than the past. For more information, see the notice from the Golden Gate Bridge District below.
Driving conditions will be changed with the installation of the Moveable Median Barrier
With the January 2015 installation of the Moveable Median Barrier comes a new and different driving experience across the Golden Gate Bridge.
Today on the Golden Gate Bridge plastic tubular pylons are used to separate opposing lanes of traffic. During the weekend of January 10-12, The Bridge District will be installing a moveable median barrier system to replace the plastic pylons, providing a safer and more efficient system of dividing opposing lanes of traffic.
The barrier will be installed on the 1.7 mile-long bridge and on the approach portion of Highway 101, north of the Golden Gate Bridge, starting at Alexander Avenue. Using transfer machines, the barrier will be moved several times during the day to create more lanes in a particular direction to accommodate variable traffic demands such as the morning and evening commutes.
The new merge will be very different for southbound vehicles. Where drivers are currently used to merging from left to right, the new merge will be from right to left. In addition, the speed limit will be dropped to 45 miles per hour from the current 55 miles per hour on the decent down the Waldo Grade. Lastly, with the installation of the barrier, the two inside lanes will lose 6 “ of width. Just getting used to driving next to the barrier may take some adjustment for drivers. With all of these changes, the Bridge District advises motorists to take it slow and get used to the new driving conditions.
The Bridge District has created a animated video to simulate the new driving conditions to better prepare motorists. Please visit http://goldengate.org/news/bridge/mmb_animation.php
to view the video.
This new moveable median barrier system will enhance safety by reducing the potential for cross-over collisions and will allow the Bridge District to more efficiently reconfigure lane changes to optimize traffic operations on the bridge.
The Golden Gate Bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic during the installation. The roadway will be closed starting at 12:01am on Saturday, January 10 and will reopen at 4:00 am on Monday, January 12.
If travel between San Francisco and the North Bay Area is necessary, there are several ways to get to your destination:
- Golden Gate Transit bus service will be allowed to cross the Bridge.
- Golden Gate Ferry will be offering expanded service that weekend, including late night service.
- Use alternate routes (Richmond and Bay Bridges)
Bridge’s east sidewalk will remain open to pedestrians and bicyclists but parking lots at the Bridge will be closed.
Courtesy: Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District
For more information, please contact Dana Fehler, Director of Marketing and Communications.
dfehler@goldengate.org
phone: 415-257-4441