Big-Rig Crash Blocks Lanes On Lower Deck Of Bay Bridge
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) – A big-rig jackknifed on the lower deck of the Bay Bridge Friday morning, causing major delays that extended for hours.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash was first reported at 4:59 a.m. near the First Street on-ramp, with a Sig-alert issued at 5:06 a.m.
Officials said the truck crashed into a wall and began to leak diesel fuel.
"We believe right now the cause was a combination of wet roadway and unsafe speed that caused the vehicle to collide with the wall," said CHP Officer Vu Williams.
The crash led to the closure of four lanes on the lower deck of the bridge. Traffic on Eastbound Interstate 80 was diverted at Fourth Street.
By 8:00 a.m., the backup extended to Highway 101 and down the Peninsula to South San Francisco. Northbound Interstate 280 was backed up to near Daly City. Many streets in downtown San Francisco were also gridlocked as a result.
As of 9:30 a.m., crews towed the truck away from the scene, according to KPIX 5's Anne Makovec. All lanes of the Bay Bridge were reopened by 12 p.m., but the on-ramp at First Street and Essex remained closed.
The truck driver was not injured.
Drivers heading from San Francisco to the East Bay are being asked to use alternate bridges.
TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Bay City News Service contributed to this report.
