Watch CBS News

Bay Bridge Closes; Work On Schedule For New Bridge Opening

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS/AP) -- Officials say there were no problems during the first hours of construction to put finishing touches on the new eastern portion of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.

Bridge spokesman Andrew Gordon said Thursday morning that demolition, grinding and paving began and was on schedule, as crews prepare for the new span's opening early next week.

The bridge closed on Wednesday night to allow crews to complete final work on the new span. The bridge is expected to reopen on Monday night or Tuesday morning.

Fears of a snarled morning commute appeared not to have materialized. Though alternate routes into San Francisco and Bay Area Rapid Transit trains were more crowded, there were no reports of major snarls.

(Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.