Golden Gate Bridge Readies For Massive Closure To Install Movable Barrier In January
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) — The Golden Gate Bridge will shut down for an entire weekend in just over three weeks. The "massive" closure, as described by bridge officials, is taking place to so the long-awaited, $30 million movable median barrier.
On January 10th, 11th, and until early on the 12th, the bridge will be closed to vehicles from early morning (12:01 a.m.) through Monday at 4 a.m.
Golden Gate Transit buses will continue to cross, Golden Gate Ferry will expand service, and the sidewalk remains open to walkers and bicyclists. Parking lots will be closed.
TRANSIT INFO:
• Golden Gate Transit BUS: Weekend service. Click HERE for timetables.
• Golden Gate FERRY: Added service on Larkspur Ferry. Weekend service on Sausalito Ferry. Click HERE for timetables.
CALTRANS: http://goldengate.org/news/bridge/mmb_closure.php
The parts were delivered this week, making it possible to finally schedule the anticipated weekend closure.
"We've got about 3,000 of the barrier units sitting in one our parking lots all neatly stacked up," Priya Clemens, bridge district spokeswoman, said.
Each unit made of concrete and steel weight 1,500 lbs. each. When linked together across the span with steel pins, they forma semi-rigid barrier.
"They're going to be laid out over the weekend of January 10-11, when the bridge will be closed for 52 hours. It's a really big deal." Clemens said.
She said the shutdown, starting from a minute after midnight that Saturday to 4 a.m. the following Monday, will be the longest ever closure for the bridge.
"The east sidewalk is going to be open so people can bike or walk along the sidewalk and even see some of the work as it's happening," Clemens said.
The "zipper trucks," which will move the barrier back and forth according to traffic needs are due to be delivered in early January.