Crews racing to repair Bay Bridge toll plaza after fatal accident

Amy Hollyfield Image
ByAmy Hollyfield KGO logo
Monday, December 4, 2017
Crews racing to repair Bay Bridge toll plaza after fatal accident
Caltrans crews are racing to finish repairing the Bay Bridge toll plaza, severely damaged in a fatal accident over the weekend.

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Caltrans crews are racing to finish repairing the Bay Bridge toll plaza, severely damaged in a fatal accident over the weekend.

Caltrans has grief counselors on hand today for toll workers who are grieving the loss of one of their own. A worker was killed over the weekend when a truck crashed into her toll booth. The effects from the crash were still felt during this morning's commute.

RELATED: Bay Bridge toll worker killed by suspected drunk driver was mother, wife

Right before the morning commute started today drivers got a surprise. Three lanes that were expected to be closed opened up -- leaving only one closed rather than four.

"We knew having four toll booths out would have an adverse effect on traffic so everybody involved worked hard to sweep up the debris make sure road completely free of debris," said Bob Haus, Caltrans spokesperson.

RELATED: Victim identified in Bay Bridge toll plaza crash; truck driver arrested

There was a lot of wreckage left behind after a truck crashed into a toll booth Saturday morning. The toll worker inside the booth was killed. Si Si Han, 46, leaves behind a husband and 10-year-old daughter and grieving co-workers. Many of them were out here Saturday morning.

"It was right at shift change. Some were in the process of leaving and others arriving. A lot of them saw it, they were just devastated by it," said Haus.

TRAFFIC: Current road conditions and backups

Her toll booth was destroyed - officials don't know when this lane will reopen. Shutting down a lane just adds to the congestion at the Bay Bridge. Officials are recommending you take public transportation for the time being to avoid this back up or give yourself extra time.

"It's going to have to be rebuilt. We are going to be looking at that today at putting out an emergency contract and we may have more details later today," said Haus.

The driver identified has been identified as 28-year-old Daniel Berk. CHP officers believe he was under the influence at the time of the accident. Officers said it doesn't look like he slowed down, there were no skid marks. He will be in the hospital for a while. He will be facing DUI and involuntary manslaughter charges.

Click here to help the families of fallen Caltrans workers.