Open Road Tolling

The Open Road Tolling (ORT) Program will streamline the driver’s experience when the toll booths are removed from the seven state-owned toll bridges. The Richmond San Rafael Bridge is the first of the seven bridges in the Bay Area that has started work.

Why Do We Need the Open Road Tolling (ORT) Program?

The ORT Program will replace the current, aging toll system with newer “toll gantry” technology that will be optimized to process all tolls electronically.

These days, it is not necessary for drivers to stop at toll booths to pay the toll. The ORT Program will remove the toll booths and update the roadway through the toll plaza area, improving safety and highway operations.

Benefits to the Public

Improved traffic flow by removing stop-and-go conditions at the toll plaza.
Enhanced safety by reducing weaving, braking, and congestion near toll areas.
Environmental benefits, including reduced vehicle idling and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Encouragement of carpools and transit use through improved HOV operations.
More reliable travel times for commuters and freight.

Project Location

The project is located on Interstate 580 (I-580) in the City of Richmond, between the Regatta Boulevard Interchange and the east end of the Richmond–San Rafael Bridge.

Partnership

The project is a collaboration between Caltrans and the Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA) as part of broader regional efforts to modernize Bay Area bridges.

What can drivers expect?

Work to re-stripe lanes on the bridge approach and to erect a new gantry structure over the westbound lanes to accommodate tolling equipment began in April 2026.

Westbound drivers can expect nighttime lane closures, with traffic through the toll plaza routed toward the three right lanes. Work crews have began to install temporary 'K-rails' on the far-left side of westbound I-580 at select locations between the Bayview Avenue overcrossing and Point Richmond.

After a one-night full closure of the bridge (see below), Caltrans is scheduled to reconfigure the toll booths from left to right in December 2026. Caltrans is scheduled to remove the toll booths in the winter/spring of 2027.

Full closure of the Richmond San Rafael Bridge

Caltrans is planning a full closure of the Richmond San Rafael Bridge (westbound I-580) beginning at 11 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14, and continuing until 8 a.m. 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.

We recognize that this work may impact San Rafael and Richmond residents, businesses, and those who travel through the area.

To stay updated and receive Richmond San Rafael Bridge traffic advisories, you can sign up here: Richmond San Rafael Bridge Traffic Advisory Sign-Up Form.