Yet only Golden Gate Transit buses have permission and commuters on that bus system this morning got a chance to see the Golden Gate Bridge in very rare form. No traffic! All vehicles were blocked from approaching the world-landmark bridge on either side. This reporter along with fellow commuters to San Francisco just before 9:30 AM had to be patient as all buses had to wait at Sausalito (along Highway 101) before being escorted by California Highway Patrol and Golden Gate Bridge and Transit Authority security officers.
California Highway Patrol, San Francisco Police, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, National Park Service, Sausalito Police and Golden Gate Bridge Authority all worked together to make the situation as seamless as possible. Patrol officers escorted transit drivers through the Waldo tunnels, which is the entrance and exit to the bridge. All was empty. No cars or beeping of horns. Just the buses on their way to the City.
As announced as far back as November, the Golden Gate Transit District began preparing commuters and the visiting public for this important safety installment and upgrade, estimated cost at over $30 million. The movable median will provide better safety for all vehicles crossing the bridge as it will help to keep traffic flowing in either direction, reducing the risk of swerving into on-coming traffic.
Before this movable median, the flow of traffic lanes was designated by removable plastic pegs. The plastic pegs were large and bright and for decades that was the routine. But as traffic has increased significantly over the past few decades, those pegs were not enough. The flow of traffic across the Bridge has been in need of more effective and safe dividers as collisions in the past have occurred.
The Highway 101 closure, as reported previously by Digital Journal News occurs at the intersection of Doyle Drive and Marina Boulevard, on the San Francisco side. Also a closure is in place at the intersection of Highway 1 (at Park Presidio Blvd.) and Lake St. There will be no northbound access to Highway 101 from the City between those exits and the bridge.
In Marin, the Highway 101 closure is at the Marin City/Sausalito Exit. There will be no southbound access from Marin City to the Bridge. There will be no northbound access from Alexander Avenue only. Access to northbound Highway 101 will be available from Spencer Avenue and Rodeo Avenue. These traffic restrictions will be in place for the entire weekend.
All will be restored by 4: AM on Monday, January 12. Yet Golden Gate Bridge District officials noted that, Over the next few weekends, some work will be done at night on the bridge to remove the small raised pavement markers (called “Botts” Dots). These are currently used to delineate traffic lanes. These pavement markers are not compatible with the Moveable Median Barrier. The lanes will be restriped with a thermoplastic reflective material. The work will require nighttime lane closures.
Contractors and work crews from several companies like Statewide Safety and Signs were along the bridge. All had their particular part and job to do. It was fascinating to see the familiar bridge bare and free from the usual heavy commuter flow. Even on weekends the flow of traffic across the bridge is heavy.
Bicycles and pedestrians were allowed to cross the bridge and some were eager to enjoy the rare opportunity to see the Bridge in a truly rare form. Riders on the Golden Gate Transit bus to San Francisco, Route 70 were amazed as many commented never seeing the bridge without any cars. One man who was eager to snap a picture with is iPad approached the front of the bus to get a better view from the windshield. “This is a bit of history. We will not see the bridge like this ever again.” For details about the entire Movable Median Barrier Project visit The Golden Gate Bridge District web site.
