Snapped Cable Shuts Down Bay Bridge
"“Wtf is happening to the Bay Bridge? Looks like part of it fell off and hit some cars. Blocking 2 lanes wowow." -- via larfo
After a snapped support cable struck three cars on the upper deck at around 5:45 p.m., the Bay Bridge was shut down in both directions this evening to check the structural integrity, according to ActionNewsSF.
SFGate reports:
CHP Officer Peter Van Eckhardt said what appeared to be a cable and a steel bracket fell from the eastern span's overhead steel support structure and onto the upper deck. The parts fell at about 5:30 p.m. Eckhardt said the passengers in one vehicle hit by the falling debris were shaken up but not injured.
Mercury News, however, says that one person has been injured.
Expect major delays. Check 511 for updates on traffic.
Update (7:45): Image of Bay Bridge overpass empty after tonight's closure went into effect. CHP is now diverting eastbound traffic onto Fourth Street. Also, Muni line 108 Treasure Island service has been suspended until further notice.
Update (8:08): The bridge will be closed for "at least 24 hours." Vehicles are backed up at the toll plaza. Nightmareish scene tonight, folks.
Update (8:40): Muni service (108 Treasure Island) has been restored.
Update (9:30) SFGate (via Appeal) says: BART will add more train operators "in anticipation of the thousands of additional riders likely to flock to the system."
Also, BART spokesperson Linton Johnson said, "We're going to use every available piece of equipment, meaning all the cars we can possibly muster into service." Golden Gate Ferry will "have an extra high-speed ferry ready if needed any time after 7 a.m."
Update (9:52): Bart has some good protips for those of you taking public transit (possibly for the first time in ages) tomorrow morning. Tomorrow's commute promises to be a crowded, slightly chaotic one.
ABC 7 footage on today's Bay Bridge closure: