Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Current and Planned Projects

Caltrans is committed to maintaining and improving safety, reliability, and connectivity along the Richmond–San Rafael Bridge (RSRB). Several ongoing and upcoming projects are currently in progress to repair bridge infrastructure, improve communication systems, and prepare for future open road tolling operations.

Below is an overview of current and planned work:

---

Project: Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Bike Path Operational Update

Status: Upcoming

Work Summary: Caltrans, in partnership with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and the Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA), is pleased to announce that the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) has approved our joint application to modify operations on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge.

New Operational Schedule Begins October 27, 2025, Starting October 27, 2025, the right shoulder of the upper deck—currently designated for bicycle and pedestrian use—will serve as a highway shoulder lane on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, as well as Thursday mornings. The moveable barrier will be repositioned to reopen the bike/ped path on Thursday afternoons and remain open all day on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and select holidays.

New Bike Path Hours

• Open: Thursdays at 2 PM → Sundays at 11 PM
• Closed: Sunday night → Thursday afternoon (emergency shoulder restored for WB traffic)

To ensure continued access for non-motorized travelers, a free shuttle service will be available to transport bicyclists and pedestrians across the bridge between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. on days when the path is closed.

Free Shuttle Service During Closures

• Mondays–Wednesdays: 6 AM – 8 PM
• Thursdays: 6 AM – 2 PM (until path reopens)
• Additional morning shuttle: 6 AM – 10 AM (approx. 20-min frequency)

Shuttle stops:

• Richmond: Near 214 Tewksbury Ave
• San Rafael: Near 2186 Francisco Blvd East
• For more information visit: www.mtc.ca.gov/rsrpath

Westbound Improvement Project and Feasibility Study As part of the ongoing Westbound Improvement Project, Caltrans, MTC, and BATA will collect and analyze data on motor vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian travel throughout the Richmond-San Rafael corridor. This study will evaluate the feasibility of implementing a part-time bus/carpool lane and a part-time bike/ped path on the upper deck.

BCDC Permit Conditions BCDC’s approval includes conditions requiring the establishment of preliminary performance thresholds for the feasibility study and a defined methodology for conducting an equity analysis. These elements must be submitted to BCDC for review and approval by May 2026.

Purpose: This decision, made in August 2025, supports two key changes: adjusting the hours of operation for the bicycle and pedestrian path on the bridge’s upper deck and making permanent the peak-period third eastbound traffic lane on the lower deck.

Caltrans remains committed to improving mobility, safety, and equity across the Bay Area’s transportation network.

---

Project: Emergency Deck Repairs (Director’s Order)

Status: Ongoing

Work Summary: Emergency deck repair work is taking place at various locations on the Richmond–San Rafael Bridge.

Closures:

• Eastbound I-580 Lane #2 and left shoulder closed nightly, 9:00 PM – 5:00 AM, began October 2025.

Purpose: This emergency project addresses localized deck damage to maintain safe driving conditions for motorists.

---

Project: Replace Stolen/Vandalized Wiring

Status: Ongoing

• East Abutment: Wire theft replacement work is complete.
• West Abutment/Bike Path: Wire replacement work is ongoing.
• Navigation Lights and Foghorn: Work will begin November 1, 2025. (No traffic impact)

Purpose: This project restores essential power and communication systems damaged by vandalism and theft to ensure bridge lighting, navigation, and safety systems remain operational.

---

Project: Communication Cables and Substations Upgrade

Status: Ongoing

• Cable Installation: Installation work at cable trays began September 1, 2025.
• Bike Path Work: Ongoing Monday–Friday, 5:30 AM – 2:00 PM, through October 2025.
  • Public access remains open, though the path is narrower during work hours.
• Nighttime Lane and Path Closures:
  • WB I-580 Lane #2 and Bike Path: Closed 7:00 PM – 5:00 AM, Monday–Friday, through October 2025

Maintenance Support Schedule:

• Oct 13–17: Bike path closures, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Oct 20–24: EB I-580 left shoulder closures, 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM (truss weaving)
• Oct 27–31: EB I-580 right shoulder closures, 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM (truss weaving)

Purpose: This project enhances the bridge’s communication network and substation reliability, improving monitoring and system connectivity.

---

Upcoming Project

Project: Open Road Tolling (ORT)

Status: Pre-Construction | Anticipated Start: Spring 2026

Location: I-580 at the Richmond–San Rafael Bridge Toll Plaza (Contra Costa County)

Scope of Work:

• Remove existing toll booths
• Install temporary tolling system
• Prepare for gantry installation

Traffic Impacts (TBD):

• Overnight westbound lane closures during booth removal and temporary toll system installation.
• Full overnight closures expected for gantry installation (dates to be determined).

Next Steps: Notice to Proceed for the contractor anticipated October  2025.

Purpose: This project will transition the Richmond–San Rafael Bridge to a modern, cashless tolling system, improving traffic flow and reducing congestion.