New “Green” Bay Bridge Maintenance Complex Opens

Caltrans and MTC today cut the ribbon for a new, state-of-the-art and environmentally friendly LEED Gold certified Maintenance Complex that will serve the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and consolidate all the bridge’s maintenance facilities under one roof.

“The new building complements the new bridge,” said Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty. “Both use state-of-the-art design and construction techniques. And both represent Caltrans’ move into a new era of efficiency, productivity and environmental stewardship.”

The $55 million building will house the structural maintenance, paint and electrical crews that will be responsible for the long-term upkeep of the bridge. The new building was also needed to address the fire, seismic and regulatory code deficiencies of the deteriorating buildings in the old bridge maintenance complex, many of which were damaged during the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake.

“The new complex’s sleek, white exterior pays tribute to the new Bay Bridge East Span,” noted Santa Clara County Supervisor and MTC Chair Dave Cortese. “It also extends design cues from the new administration building and the remodeled toll plaza that have transformed the area around the east end of the bridge. And while the new building may be painted white, it’s deep green beneath the surface. The project minimized construction waste, took advantage of recycled materials and other sustainable design practices and will use power and water far more efficiently than the old complex did. ”

The building was designed to achieve a Gold LEED Rating from the U.S. Green Building Council. Solar panels will provide much of the electrical power to the 56,000-square foot building. Both the restrooms and the irrigation system will use recycled water.

“The men and women who maintain our bridges are an extraordinary group of dedicated and courageous workers,” said Caltrans District 4 Director Bijan Sartipi, who represents the state on MTC. “This new building provides the logistical support they need to carry out their daily challenges.”

MTC contributed $37 million in bridge toll funds for the construction, with the $18 million balance coming from the State Highway Operation and Protection Program.