Longest-Ever Golden Gate Bridge Closure Planned For October
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) — For the first time in its history, the Golden Gate Bridge will have to be shutdown for a weekend so work crews can install a new moveable-median barrier.
Golden Gate Bridge officials are targeting October for the weekend shutdown—but have yet to choose specific dates.
Golden Gate Bridge To Close For Weekend In October To Install Median Barrier
Bridge spokeswoman Mary Currie told KCBS that the closure is likely to last about 52 hours. According to the bridge website, the longest prior closure has been was due to heavy winds in 1983. That shutdown lasted 3 hours and 27 minutes.
"We'll keep the sidewalks open but the roadway itself will be closed because we have to bring the pieces of the moveable barrier out on to the span and connect all dots together and get it all working properly," she said.
Currie said the barrier, which is meant to reduce head-on collisions, will reduce lane widths by six inches.
"So when you put something out and the public has to learn to drive past it, that will take some time and likely slow some traffic, initially," she said.
The barrier will consist of 800 blocks that will weigh 1,500 pounds each.
The project has a total cost of $26.5 million.
