Golden Gate Closing

The Golden Gate Bridge will be closed this weekend to make way for the new barrier system to be installed. The Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District website says that the new median will be a safer and more efficient way to move lanes to accommodate for traffic, that the system in place will be more easily movable throughout the day, and that it will extend north onto the 101 to integrate with the new merging conditions which will be from right to left instead of left to right. The speed limit on the Waldo grade will also change from 55 to 45 to facilitate the safer conditions, and it is advised that you take the bridge a little more slowly than you usually do as there will be 6 inches less room in the far left lane.

The Transportation departments are recommending not traveling more than necessary in the bay this weekend, but if it is necessary there are other ways to get into the city. Buses will still be allowed to go over the bridge during construction, so you could either leave your car parked at home or park at one of the many bus stops along the highway that allow for parking and commuting. You can find the Golden Gate Transit schedules here: Golden Gate Bus Transit Schedule

Another option you can still utilize is the ferry. Both the Larkspur and Sausalito ferries will be making trips to the city all weekend, although if you have late night plans make sure you know that only the Larkspur ferry will be departing San Francisco late into the night. Both the Sausalito and Larkspur Ferry schedules can be found here: Golden Gate Ferry Schedule

If you'd like to take your car into the city, it is still possible but it is going to cost you in tolls and gas. You can go over the Richmond Bridge and take the Bay Bridge, or if you're more south you can still take the San Mateo Bridge in as well.

The Bridge formally closes Friday night (1/9/15)/Saturday morning (1/10/15) at 12:01 am and opens at 4 am on Monday morning (1/12/15). If you're interested in learning more about the project, or would like to see a simulation about how the new driving conditions should work after the redo, you can visit the Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District webpage here: goldengate.org

What are your opinions on the new barrier system? Will it make it safer and (hopefully) easier to navigate the narrow bridge? Let me know what you think in the comment section.

Have a great day!

~ Kelly Cranmer Valadez