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: Westbound Improvement Project
Status: Ongoing
Since 2019, Caltrans has run a pilot project on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge's upper (westbound) deck, evaluating different methods to balance vehicle lanes, a multi-use path, and emergency shoulder access. The Westbound Improvement Project (project) is now entering the environmental documentation phase to evaluate alternatives for the deck’s long-term configuration. The project will require the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Caltrans has identified a No Build Alternative and eight build alternatives for further evaluation in the Draft EIR. The build alternatives are grouped into five general categories:
- Keep Today’s Lane Configuration (view information about bike path operations below)
- Add a Peak-Hour Lane
- Provide a Full-Time Multi-Use Path (a pathway separated from vehicle traffic for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-motorized travelers)
- Provide a Full-Time Shoulder (No Multi-Use Path)
- Provide a Full-Time Third Lane (No Multi-Use Path)
Each alternative under consideration strikes a different balance between relieving westbound commute congestion, improving emergency access, and supporting pedestrian and bicycle access to the bridge.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AND SCOPING:
As part of the CEQA process, Caltrans and BATA filed a CEQA Notice of Preparation (NOP) with the State Clearinghouse and is opening a formal public scoping period from November 2, 2026 through December 4, 2026. Scoping is the point in the CEQA process where agencies, stakeholders, bridge users, and nearby communities can give input on what project aspects, alternatives, and environmental resources should be closely studied as part of the Draft EIR. Comments submitted during this window directly shape the environmental review.
Public Scoping Meetings
Three scoping meetings will be held, covering the project history, alternatives under consideration, and environmental process.
East Bay Scoping Meeting (In-person)
Monday, November 16th | 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Richmond Memorial Convention Center, Terrace Rooms
403 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond, CA 94804
Marin Scoping Meeting (In-person)
Tuesday, November 17th | 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Marin Center, Manzanita Room
10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael, CA 94903
Virtual Scoping Meeting
Wednesday, November 18th | 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Submitting Public Comments
Comments can be submitted through a comment card at the in-person meetings, by email, by mail, or through the engagement site linked below. All comments must be submitted no later than December 4, 2026, to be considered in the Draft EIR.
Email: 580RSRBridgeWIP@dot.ca.gov
Mail:
Caltrans District 4
Attn: Thomas Rosevear
P.O. Box 23660, MS 8B
Oakland, CA 94623-0660
Project: Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Bike Path Operational Update
Status: Ongoing
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 started October 27, 2025, the right shoulder of the upper deck—currently designated for bicycle and pedestrian use—now 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)
Please note Caltrans performs moving lane closures in both eastbound and westbound directions of I-580 across the Richmond–San Rafael Bridge (RSRB) for moveable barrier repositioning and sweeping operations.
Lane Closure Schedule
- Sunday Nights: 8:00 PM – 4:00 AM
- Thursday (Daytime): 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
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
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: Open Road Tolling (ORT)
Status: Construction | Started: April 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
Scheduled Work:
- Westbound drivers can expect nighttime lane closures, with traffic through the toll plaza routed toward the three right lanes. Work crews installed temporary 'K-rails' on the far-left side of westbound I-580 at select locations between the Bayview Avenue overcrossing and Point Richmond.
- A full closure of the Richmond San Rafael Bridge is scheduled on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 11 p.m. until 8 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 15. Access to Stenmark Drive will remain open for residents, but please note that the bike/pedestrian path will also be closed from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. the next morning.
For updates on the Richmond San Rafael Bridge Traffic Advisory Sign Up Form
**All work is weather dependent and subject to change**
Traffic Impacts (TBD):
- Overnight westbound lane closures during booth removal and temporary toll system installation. (dates to be determined)
- Full overnight closures expected for gantry installation (dates to be determined).
Purpose: This project will transition the Richmond–San Rafael Bridge to a modern, cashless tolling system, improving traffic flow and reducing congestion.
For additional information, visit the Open Road Tolling project webpage
Project: Emergency Deck Repairs (Director’s Order)
Status: Temporarily suspended
Work Summary: Emergency deck repair work is taking place at various locations on the Richmond–San Rafael Bridge.
Closures:
- No closures at this time. Tentatively scheduled for early January 2026 through Spring 2026. Weather dependent.
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 continues.. (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: Richmond San Rafael Bridge Substation Upgrades
Status: Ongoing
- Cable Installation: Installation work at cable trays began September 1, 2025.
- Nighttime Lane and Path Closures:
- WB I-580 Lane #2 and Bike Path: Closed 7:00 PM – 5:00 AM, Monday–Thursday, through December 2025
*Bike Path is closed due to new scheduling.
- WB I-580 Lane #2 and Bike Path: Closed 7:00 PM – 5:00 AM, Monday–Thursday, through December 2025
Purpose: This project enhances the bridge’s communication network and substation reliability, improving monitoring and system connectivity.
Upcoming Projects
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