Bay Bridge closed after rod snaps, cars hit

Copied directly from: San Francisco Chronicle

Michael Cabanatuan, Chronicle Staff Writer

Authorities said they are shutting down the Bay Bridge in both directions after pieces of the cantilever section fell during the late-afternoon commute, striking three vehicles on the upper deck, the California Highway Patrol said.

Caltrans officials said the parts that fell were two high-strength rods and a saddle that were part of the emergency repair that delayed the opening of the bridge on Labor Day weekend.

Westbound traffic on the Bay Bridge had been crawling through two open lanes as officials assessed damage to the bridge. Caltrans officials earlier had shut down three lanes on the upper as they assessed the damage.

CHP Officer Peter Van Eckhardt said the parts of the span’s overhead steel support structure fell around 5:30 p.m. Eckhardt said the passengers in one vehicle hit by the falling debris were shaken up but not injured.

A chunk of steel lay in the middle of the far left lane of the upper deck and an object that appeared to be a cable was on a Ryder truck dangling from the side of the span.

Authorities have not said how long the closure will last.