Press Release

Date: December 13, 2017
District: District 4
Contact:Alejandro Lopez
Phone: (510) 286-5445
Contact: Tamie McGowen
Phone: (916) 657-5060

OAKLAND – In this Caltrans News Flash, learn how Caltrans meticulously removed a two mile-long eastern span of the old Bay Bridge with thoughtful and deliberate actions. You will also get a comprehensive look at the removal of the marine foundations using controlled charges. Innovative engineering, cooperation from regulatory agencies and an accelerated schedule saved taxpayers $10 million and led to work being completed a year ahead of schedule.

Using a blast attenuation system, better known as the "bubble curtain," to minimize impacts to biological resources and reduce blast area forces, a total of 10 piers were removed over four weekends. These innovative controlled charges proved to be more efficient and environmentally preferable to traditional marine foundation removal.

This video can also be viewed at https://youtu.be/EKimnJzAmG4

This Caltrans News Flash is the 153rd in a series of videos highlighting Caltrans' activities that present the wide-ranging and critical work that Caltrans does to enhance California's economy and livability.To see more of these and other videos, search for #CaltransNewsFlash on Twitter or visit Caltrans News Flash on YouTube (http://bit.ly/1ez3LYz).