Bay Bridge to Remain Closed Into the Weekend

While TV reports were grisly, stating that the Bay Bridge could remain closed for many more days, Caltrans seemed to be more optimistic. Authorities indicated it was possible that the bridge could open as early as Sunday.

At the same time, however, Caltrans officials held open the possibility that the Bay Bridge would remain closed through the Monday morning commute. Caltrans spokesman Bart Ney said, "It's a possibility. We're hoping that's not the case. We've been accused of rushing in the past and we just want to make sure this is done right."

As a result of the collapse of the initial Bay Bridge repair work, made over the Labor Day weekend when a large crack in a support strut was found, many experts are concerned that the initial repairs were rushed. At the same time, so are many in the Bay Area.

However, there's an economic component to the Bay Bridge repairs: so far, reports are that the Bridge district has lost $1 million in bridge tolls. At the same time, the detours around the closed bridge is costing companies money, as well.

BART, the Bay Area's rapid transit subway-like system, has seen record numbers since the Bay Bridge was closed. BART was making plans to provide 24-hour service if the bridge stays closed this weekend.

Once the bridge reopens, additional inspections and a new electronic monitoring system will be used. Rather than inspecting the entire bridge every two years, as had been the case, it will be inspected every three months. Electric devices that monitor vibration and structural movement will be affixed to the repair to warn of failure.