Search title image

Current Topics

Bookmark and Share

Final Preparations Underway for Bay Bridge Implosion

Get a Glimpse of Some of the Unique Technology That Will Be in Place

In this Caltrans News Flash, Bay Bridge spokesperson Leah Robinson-Leach details the innovative technologies in place to remove the pier in the most environmentally sound and efficient way possible. Also, get a behind-the-scenes, or rather under-the-surface, glimpse at the unique “bubble curtain” that will absorb about 80 percent of the shock wave from the implosion.

See also:

November 3, 2015
Extensive preparations are underway in the San Francisco Bay as Caltrans works to put the final pieces in place to implode Pier E3 of the old Bay Bridge on November 14, 2015. As the largest of the marine foundations that once held the now decommissioned eastern span of the bridge, this operation is the equivalent of taking down a five-story building but entirely underwater.

Members of the public should keep the following in mind during the implosion on Saturday, November 14:

  • The implosion is expected to total six seconds, and will occur mostly underwater.
  • The single best place to watch the implosion will be online. Follow along on Twitter at #E3Implosion, or check www.dot.ca.gov/e3implosion for more information and a live stream of the implosion.
  • There is a perimeter of 1,500 feet around the demolition site, which will be enforced by the California Highway Patrol.
  • Bay Bridge traffic will be held for approximately 15 minutes to prevent potential distraction to drivers.
  • BART trains will be held temporarily outside of the Transbay Tube, resulting in slight delays.
  • The public will have no access to viewpoints on the eastern side of Yerba Buena Island.
  • The bike path will be closed to the public starting at 6 p.m. on November 13 until after the implosion — to at least 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 14.

MTC’s Bay Area Toll Authority is providing $18.5 million for the removal of the Pier E3 foundation.