Bay Bridge Toll Plaza Upgrade Makes Progress

The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge toll plaza renovation has made significant progress since construction began in early December 2012. The toll plaza upgrade is both cosmetic and functional, designed to complement the design of the year-old toll administration building and the bridge's new East Span, as well as to improve motorist safety.

Motorists may have noticed the toll plaza upgrade beginning to take shape over the past several weeks. Several new white aluminum panels designed to match the color of the new East Span have already been attached to the existing structure. The tollbooth structure and columns have received a fresh coat of white paint. New LED lighting on the west and south sides of the plaza is also operational, while work on the north and east side of the canopy remains ongoing.

In addition, safety upgrades are in the process of being implemented. As of April, 13 of 20 crash cushions had been replaced, with the remaining cushions to be installed by the end of the month. Crews also will soon install more up-to-date equipment for the FasTrak® electronic toll collection system, which is 15 years old. The bulk of the toll plaza facelift is scheduled for completion in May of 2013.

—Craig Raphael