San Francisco: Golden Gate Bridge to Close for Emergency Repairs

San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge to Undergo Emergency Repairs, Full Closure PlannedSan Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge to Undergo Emergency Repairs, Full Closure Planned The iconic Golden Gate Bridge will be temporarily closed starting at 10:00 PM on Saturday, January 7th, 2023, for emergency repairs. The announcement was made by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) on Friday afternoon. According to Caltrans, a recent inspection revealed significant corrosion damage to the bridge’s lower deck. The damage is thought to have been caused by salt spray and moisture, which have been eroding the metal over time. “The safety of the public is our top priority,” said Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin. “We have been monitoring the corrosion for some time, and it has reached a point where we can no longer delay repairs.” The closure will affect all traffic on the bridge, including cars, trucks, and pedestrians. Alternative routes will be provided, with Caltrans advising motorists to use the Bay Bridge or the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge instead. The emergency repairs are expected to take up to two weeks to complete. Caltrans says they will work around the clock to reopen the bridge as soon as possible. “We understand that this closure will cause significant disruption,” said Omishakin. “We will do everything we can to minimize the impact on the public and reopen the bridge safely.” The Golden Gate Bridge has been a landmark of San Francisco since its completion in 1937. It is one of the most heavily traveled suspension bridges in the world, carrying over 40,000 vehicles per day. The bridge has undergone periodic maintenance and repairs over the years, but this is the first time it has had to be closed for such an extended period. “This is a major undertaking, but it is necessary to ensure the safety of the public,” said Caltrans Bridge Maintenance Engineer Dan McElligott. “We appreciate the patience and understanding of the public during this process.”