It's been a few months since we last checked in on the construction of the New San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, so this seems like a good time for an update on how things are going with the largest infrastructure development program in California's history.
As the photo above shows, we're at an interesting stage in the project. With the cantelevered section of the bridge now complete, work has focused on the single-anchored suspention (SAS) portion of the bridge, which will eventually yield a sporty structure that looks like this:
At the moment, most of the SAS deck sections are in place, supported by a temporary scaffolding. The focus now is on building the 525'(!!) tower that will serve as the anchor for the suspension cables. Here's a reprise of the photo at top, showing what's what:
As you can see, the suspension tower goes where the tall, box-like framework sits on the right side of the image. The erection of the tower structure is happening this week, and the process promises to be so compelling and so wunderbar that bridge authorities are reminding motorists driving on the old Bay Bridge to avoid gawking and keep their eyes on the road.
From the latest media advisory from the Bay Bridge Public Information Office:
The erection of the Self-Anchored Suspension Span’s single 525- foot tall tower will reach new heights starting the week of October 24 as crews lift the second set of sections into place, bringing tower construction into full view for Bay Bridge drivers. These latest sections will rise more than 10 stories over the Bay Bridge, giving motorists an up-close glimpse of the herculean endeavor to replace the existing East Span. The public is encouraged to focus on driving safely and to not be distracted by the construction.
Here's how it will all come together. Process-wise, we're now at about 00:18 in this little video... and the rest is just a preview of coming infrastructural attractions.
Photos: Top, Telstar Logistics. All others, Caltrans.
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