Repairs from deadly Bay Bridge Toll Plaza crash likely to impact Monday commute

Byby Katie Utehs KGO logo
Monday, December 4, 2017
Bay Bridge Toll Plaza repairs likely to impact Monday commute
Caltrans is urging drivers to give themselves extra time for the Monday morning commute following a fatal crash that badly damaged the Bay Bridge Toll Plaza.

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Caltrans is urging drivers to give themselves extra time for the Monday morning commute following a fatal crash that badly damaged the Bay Bridge Toll Plaza. A man, suspected of drunk driving, crashed into Booth 14 killing the toll taker inside.

TRAFFIC: Current road conditions and backups

Caltrans crews have been working all weekend to repair four badly damaged lanes. Those lanes are expected to still be closed at the start of the work week.

The repair work at the Toll Plaza is a painful reminder of the crash that killed 46-year-old toll taker Si Si Han Saturday.

"It's hard for anyone to endure and I know the other toll collectors out there right now they're having a very tough time. They were out there when it happened. They witnessed it," said Bob Haus, Caltrans spokesman. Haus said trauma counselors have been brought in to help workers and Han's family.

CHP says around 5:15 in the morning a suspected drunk driver, 28-year-old Daniel Berk, hit five cars waiting at the tolls. The rented box truck then plowed into Booth 14 killing Han, injuring Berk, his passenger, and other drivers.

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

Surveillance cameras captured the crash. The truck hit with such force the the toll booth was pushed down the roadway.

"The one that Ms. Han was in was completely wiped-out. It'll have to be completely rebuilt from the ground-up," said Haus.

Han leaves behind a husband and 10-year-old daughter. Her family shared pictures with ABC7 News, but did not want to speak on camera.

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

Berk is facing DUI and vehicular manslaughter charges. The CHP says he will be in the hospital for some time. Highland Hospital confirms his condition has been upgraded to stable. Berk's passenger was released from the hospital according to CHP.

Caltrans is now trying to fix the four damaged lanes quickly.

"We'll do what we can, but we can't make any sort of guarantee or estimate right now, there's just too many unknowns," said Haus.

Click here to help the families of fallen Caltrans workers.