Bay Bridge Open Monday Night
The Bay Bridge reopened to the public Monday night at 10:15 pm, well ahead of the announced 5 am opening on Tuesday morning. The afternoon ceremony of speeches and chain-cutting concluded with a caravan of antique cars and SUV’s carrying dignitaries across the bridge, escorted by columns of motorcycle police prior to 6 pm.
It was four more hours before the public began crossing the bridge. Removal of the opening ceremony facilities and a final inspection assured that all major construction necessary to realign Interstate 80 with the new Bay Bridge was complete and the new bridge was ready for full service to the public. Completion of the $6.2 billion eastern span means a change of focus from construction to the demolition of the original span.
