Caltrans hired the experts to review the construction, as well as the safety issues surrounding several broken bolts.
The experts determined that even if seismic repairs aren't complete by September, the new span is a far safer option for the 280,000 vehicles that cross the bridge daily.
Transportation officials will make a final decision next month but seem ready to open the span on time.
"The bridge ultimately is so superior in terms of seismic safety that we need to move urgently to be able to make that transition from the old bridge to the new bridge. Get the traffic flowing on a much, much safer bridge," said Metropolitan Transportation Commission Chairwoman Amy Worth.
Meantime, a Southern California lawmaker introduced a resolution in Sacramento to name the western span of the Bay Bridge the Willie L. Brown, Jr. Bridge.
No name has surfaced yet for the new eastern span.
