Bay Bridge To Be Closed Over Presidents' Day Weekend

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS) – A reminder for motorists headed into the Bay Area this weekend, the Bay Bridge into San Francisco will be closed over the coming three-day weekend.

During the closure, motorists won't be able to drive from the East Bay to San Francisco. However, the lower deck will still be open, meaning drivers can travel from San Francisco to Oakland.

The upper deck will only be closed on the bridge's eastern span, meaning motorists can still drive from Treasure Island to San Francisco.

The closure will make way for the creation of a detour that will enable crews to complete construction of the bridge's new eastern span.

The lanes are scheduled to be re-opened 5 a.m. Tuesday morning but could open earlier if the work is completed ahead of time.

Currently, on the approach to the span on the Oakland side, the bridge's westbound lanes stand in the path of where the new eastern span's eastbound lanes will be.

The detour will shift westbound traffic south of where it is now, and will allow construction crews to demolish sections of the existing roadway that are in the path of the new incline section.

A video explanation of the new configuration is available online at www.baybridgeinfo.org.

During the closure, motorists are encouraged to take alternate routes or public transit, which will be beefed up with additional ferries and overnight BART service at some stations.

Those who drive should allow extra travel time, even if traveling on other bridges, bridge officials said.