Caltrans avoids using steel plates in Bay Bridge construction project

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- The replacement of old expansion joints on the Bay Bridge will continue soon, but without those dreaded steel plates on the pavement that caused gridlock.

Caltrans announced Thursday it has figured out a way to avoid those temporary covers, but of course, it comes with a cost.

The infamous steel plates that caused so much trouble for Bay Bridge commuters in October won't be back. That's according to Caltrans, which announced they've found a way to replace the aging expansion joints on the upper deck of the western span without using the plates.

"What we're going to be doing is we're going to be using rapid set concrete," said Caltrans spokesman Bob Haus. "Then we can go ahead and get in there, do the job in one night and go ahead and be done by morning."

That is one section per night, no plates needed.

The repair work will be done between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. six days a week. Instead of taking six weeks to complete, it's now expected to take 10 weeks. The cost will also increase from $1.7 to $2.7 million.

"It will cost a little more money," said John Goodwin, Metropolitan Transportation Commission. "The project's going to take a little more time than originally expected, but the upshot is no more plates and during peak periods, traffic will be able to flow unimpeded."

Starting Friday, the lane closures will be staggered through the night, for instance just one westbound lane in the early evening, with as many as 4 closed at 3 a.m.