Golden Gate Bridge movable barrier work begins

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Prep work is underway for the installation of a center barrier for the Golden Gate Bridge. Two lanes in each direction were closed for the work early Saturday, causing some traffic delays.

The movable barrier will be thin. Only 12-inches, which is about as wide as a piece of paper is long. Road crews are doing prep work over the weekend.

Bridge officials say traffic delays may be an inconvenience to drivers, but it pales in comparison to a head-on collision which the moveable barrier should eliminate.

The only thing that separates north and southbound cars are yellow plastic tubes on the road, leaving little to no room for error.

"People who'd never driven across the bridge and you see the actual headlights coming your direction it gets a little strange," said visitor Jeff Flores.

A movable barrier is scheduled to be placed on the span in January. Until then, construction crews will be doing necessary prep work.

"Basically the roadway is getting smoothed out and it's also being made stronger," said Priya Clemens, Golden Gate Bridge District spokeswoman.

Two lanes in each direction were closed overnight into late Saturday morning, and will be closed again Saturday night. Part of the concrete barrier on the Marin side near Alexander Avenue has been removed.

Mark Scheuer lives in San Francisco and says he can handle a bit of traffic if it means a safer commute.

"I think it's a great idea. I mean for me, that always represented suicide alley. I mean look at the number of deaths through the years," said Scheuer.

36 people have died in collisions on the Golden Gate Bridge since 1970. The $30 million dollar project will close the bridge the weekend of January 10th and 11th.