In response to seasonal changes in commuter traffic on the Golden Gate Bridge, bridge officials announced that starting today the lane configuration will move to further accommodate Marin-bound travelers in the afternoon. According to the Chronicle, southbound travelers should expect delays.
As anyone who has driven across the bridge more than once likely knows, the dividing barrier separating the north and southbound lanes is moved via the giant zipper truck pictured above. This allows bridge officials to give north or southbound traffic additional lanes, depending on the time of day and the flow of the majority of commuters. Starting this afternoon, the lanes will adjust at 4:00 p.m. to four northbound and two southbound. This will run for one hour, until 5:00 p.m., Tuesday through Friday.
“We have only six lanes to work with,” bridge manager Kary Witt told the Chron. “When demand exceeds capacity, backups are going occur and drivers will be delayed. We’re working to make those delays as equitable as possible for drivers in both directions without making them unreasonable for anyone.”
Previously, as of January, CBS 5 reports that the lanes shifted in this manner on Thursdays and Fridays only, and from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. On Mondays, the lanes will stay three northbound and three southbound.
This means good news for you if you live in the North Bay and commute into the city for work Monday through Friday. If you're a reverse commuter? Well, expect more traffic on your way home.
Related: More People Speeding On Golden Gate Bridge Because Of New Lane Divider