Third Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project

The Third Street Bridge, also known as the "Lefty O'Doul Bridge", underwent rehabilitation work to sustain the integrity of the bridge and to address corrosion issues. 

The project involved repairs or replacement of damaged steel members, welds, concrete counterweights, support piles, bridge fenders, spot removal of rust and associated priming and recoating, removal and replacement of the steel bridge deck and other associated work. This was a unique project that will involved the use of underwater divers, barges, rafts, temporary installation of protective barriers and containment curtains. 

The first phase of the project involved repairs of the east and west counterweight, was completed between December 11, 2017 and January 22, 2018. The second phase of the rehabilitation project began in fall 2018 and continued through April 2020. During this phase, the bridge was locked in the down position and access across the bridge was available to pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles. Access for maritime vessels was restricted as the bridge will be locked in the down position throughout construction. Boaters were advised to move/relocate their vessels in or out of Mission Creek before March 2018. 

Project Timeline*:
- 2017: Inspection and environmental clearance 
- Fall 2017: Completion of design
- December 11, 2017 - January 22, 2018: Counterweight repair work
- October 2018 - April 2020: Phase II of rehabilitation work

Construction activity on the main rehabilitation phase began in late Spring 2018 and is anticipated to last through April 2020.  At some points during the rehabilitation and construction phases, access to the bridge may be limited or closed to pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle traffic. We will be working closely with surrounding residents and businesses in the area to coordinate and minimize impacts during these anticipated closures. The bridge will remain open to pedestrians during San Francisco Giants home games. 

Nighttime and weekend construction activity may be required. Full traffic plan with detours and alternative routes will be made available as the project nears. 

*Please note that the construction schedule is subject to change due to rain, equipment breakdown, and/or unforeseen field conditions. Please see posted "No Parking" barricade signs for exact parking restrictions during construction. 

Project Activity:

Constrution activity on the Third Street Bridge is complete. Substantial compeltion was reach in March 2020. As of May 2020, the bridge is fully reopen to all vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic. 

05/07/20: Crews will be working on site the week of 5/11-5/15 to complete on going punch list items, including: grinding and finishing concrete curbs and electrical work. No full bridge closure is anticipated or needed for this scope of work, but crews may temporarily occupy a travel lane during different phases of work or may implement pedestrian detours around active work areas. Please observe all posted signs and direction from crew members onsite. 

04/30/20: Major rehabilitation activity on the Third Street Bridge has been completed and crews are in the process of completing punchlist work and finishing touches. The Third Street Bridge Project Team and San Francisco Public Works thanks you and the local community for your continued patience and understanding as we worked to restore this historic bridge.

04/09/20: Crews working on the Third Street Bridge will plan to perform bridge lift tests tomorrow, Friday, 04/10/2020 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. During this period, the bridge may be lifted multiple times, temporarily restricting access for all vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic across the bridge for up to 15 minutes at a time. Fourth Street Bridge will be accessible to use as an alternative detour route if needed. 

03/31/20: The Third Street Bridge and Fourth Street Bridge will resume drawbridge operation starting May 1, 2020* at 12:01 AM. To request watercraft access and/or to check bridge status and bridge lift availability/black out dates, please contact the San Francisco Public Works Radio Room at: 415-695-2134**.

(*Date is subject to change pending completion of any remaining bridge rehabilitation activity.)
(**Bridge lift requests should be called into the San Francisco Public Works Radio Room at least 60 minutes prior to needing access.)

03/19/20: Crews will plan to be on site and work on the Third Street Bridge on Saturday, 03/21/2020 from 5:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Some lane closures are anticipated, but scope of work will not require a full bridge closure. 

03/17/20: Crews will be lifting the bridge to complete span lock calibration leveling and bearing plate activity that will be done after general work hours and will require a temporary bridge closure. This activity is done at night to minimize traffic impacts during peak commute hours. Night work and temporary bridge closure will occur between 9 PM Thursday, 03/19/2020 to 5 AM Friday, 03/20/2020. During this time, access across the Third Street Bridge will be restricted for all vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic. Please plan to use alternative routes, (i.e. via 4th Street), to navigate around the area.

03/11/20: Crews will be lifting the bridge to facilitate barge relocation activity that will be done after general work hours and will require a temporary bridge closure. This activity is done at night to minimize traffic impacts during peak commute hours. Night work and temporary bridge closure will occur between 9 PM Thursday, 03/12/2020 to 5 AM Friday, 03/13/2020. During this time, access across the Third Street Bridge will be restricted for all vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic. Please plan to use alternative routes, (i.e. via 4th Street), to navigate around the area.

03/06/20: Crews will be working on installation of truss bearing plates that will be done at night and will require a temporary bridge closure. This activity is done at night to minimize traffic impacts during peak commute hours. Night work and temporary bridge closure will occur between 9 PM Monday, 03/09/2020 to 5 AM Tuesday, 03/10/2020. During this time, access across the Third Street Bridge will be restricted for all vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic. Please plan to use alternative routes, (i.e. via 4th Street), to navigate around the area.

02/24/20: Crews will perform night work that requires temporary bridge closure to continue ongoing rehabilitation activity on the Third Street Bridge that require the bridge to be raised to complete work on areas only accessible when the bridge span is in the upright position. This activity is done at night to minimize traffic impacts during peak commute hours. Night work and temporary bridge closure will occur between 2 AM – 5 AM Friday, 02/28/2020. During this time, access across the Third Street Bridge will be restricted for all vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic. Please plan to use alternative routes, (i.e. via 4th Street), to navigate around the area. Crews will also plan to work Saturday, 02/29 (7 AM to 3 PM) and Sunday 03/01 (3 AM to 1 PM) to complete railing installation activity.

02/10/20: Crews have confirmed that a one night, temporary bridge closure will occur starting 9 PM Tuesday, 02/11 until 5 AM Wednesday, 2/12 and between 9 PM Thursday, 02/13 until 5 AM Friday, 2/14 due to rehabilitation activity that requires the Third Street Bridge to be raised to complete work on areas only accessible when the bridge span is in the upright position. This is also done at night to minimize traffic impacts during peak commute hours. During this time, access across the Third Street Bridge will be restricted for all vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic. Please plan to use alternative routes, (i.e. via 4th Street), to navigate around the area. Crews will work as quickly and safely as possible to complete this activity to minimize impacts to area residents. (Further temporary bridge closures may be schedule as needed and announced at a later date to complete any remaining scope of work. Additional information will be shared once details are finalized.)

01/27/20:  Crews will perform remaining rack bolt replacement work on the evening of Monday, 01/27. Additional construction related noise from impact hammers used to remove existing corroded rack bolts are expected and may be heard by nearby residents closest to the bridge between the hours of 9 PM and 12 AM. Crews will also continue night work activity on Thursday 1/30 to Friday 1/31 from 9 PM to 5 AM, and will test bridge components and raise and lower the bridge span.

01/20/20: Crews will continue night work to complete remaining bridge rehabilitation activity. During night work, general construction related noise may be heard. On 1/21/20, crews will work between 9 PM to 5 AM on 1/22. On 1/23, crews will work from 9 PM to 5 AM on 1/24. On 1/25, crews will work between 12:01 AM and 6 AM. On Thursday, 1/23, crews will be required to raise the bridge to complete rack bolt replacement work on areas of the bridge that are only accessible when the bridge is raised. Additional construction related noise from impact hammers used to remove existing corroded rack bolts are expected and may be heard between the hours of 9 PM and 12 AM. 

12/16/19: Third Street Bridge will be CLOSED starting on Thursday, December 19 at 12:30 AM through Friday, December 20* at 3:00 PM. During this closure, access across the bridge will be fully restricted for all vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic to complete work that require the bridge to be lifted to allow for access under the bridge deck, install a span lock and ballast weights and pour a new concrete deck.

11/18/19: Access across the Third Street Bridge will be periodically restricted for up to 15 minutes at a time on Saturday, 11/23 between 5:30 PM and 11:59 PM for bridge testing, tuning and maintenance. During these periods, all vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic across the bridge may be restricted when bridge gates are lowered. Warning bell testing is also expected to occur around 7 PM and will include horn, siren and other warning noises. 

To facilitate ongoing bridge rehabilitation activity, crews will perform night work (between the hours of 8 PM and 7 AM) in addition to general work hours, starting November 24 to December 5. On select dates and times during the upcoming night work hours, crews will plan to implement short duration bridge closures that will occur for approximately 30-60 minutes at a time on the following dates:

• Monday, November 25 between the hours of 12 AM and 6 AM
• Tuesday, November 26 between the hours of 1 AM and 6 AM
• Tuesday, November 26 between the hours of 7 PM and 11:59 PM
• Wednesday, November 27 between the hours of 12 AM and 6 AM

During short duration closures, access across the bridge will be temporarily restricted for all vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic. 

Please note, crews also plan to implement a FULL BRIDGE CLOSURE between the dates of Monday, December 2 at 12:01 AM through Thursday, December 5 at 3:00 PM to complete remaining bridge rehabilitation activity that require the bridge to be lifted to allow for access under the bridge deck. During the full bridge closure, access across the Third Street Bridge will be restricted for all vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic. 

10/08/19: Crews will continue to intermittently work a night shift starting October 14, 2019 from 8 PM to 7 AM through Friday, January 21, 2020 at 7 AM.

09/27/19: Third Street Bridge will be CLOSED starting Sunday, September 29 at 10:00 PM to complete ongoing rehabilitation activity. During the upcoming closure, access across the Third Street Bridge will be restricted for all vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic. Access across the bridge will be reopened on Saturday, October 5, at 12:00 AM. (*A few additional short duration full bridge closures will be required to lift the bridge to complete remaining rehabilitation work underneath the bridge deck and to balance the bridge. Exact dates and times will be announced as details are finalized and should be anticipated to occur sometime between late-October October to December 2019. )

Starting 1:00 PM, September 3 to 3:00 PM September 4
Starting 12:01 AM, September 17 to 6:00 AM September 21
Starting 12:01 AM, September 22 to 2:00 PM September 24
Starting 10:00 PM, September 29 to 11:59 PM October 4

Suggested Vehicle, Bicycle and Pedestrian Detour Routes: 

Pedestrian Detour Route

Bicycle Detour Route

Local Access

Northbound and Southbound Vehicle Detour Route (Google Maps view available here)

09/10/19: Third Street Bridge will be closed starting Tuesday, September 17 at 12:01 AM to complete remaining rehabilitation work. Access across the bridge will be reopened for part of the day on September 21, at 6:00 AM will be closed that evening at 12:01 AM on September 22. 

08/28/19: Access across the Third Street Bridge will reopen at 2 PM, August 29, 2019. Please note, additional full bridge closure dates for the Third Street Bridge have been confirmed and are listed below. During upcoming closure periods, access across the Third Street Bridge will be restricted for all vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic. 

08/26/19: Third Street Bridge will reopen to vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic at 2PM today, 8/26. Bridge will reclose at 12:01 AM on 8/28 - and will reopen at 2 PM 8/29. 

08/13/19: Crews have completed major sand-blasting work and are currently priming and painting the upper truss of the bridge. Crews are installing new bridge decking, which is anticipated to continue through the end of August 2019. 

The next full bridge closures are confirmed for the following dates and times**: 
Starting 8 PM, August 14 to 2 PM August 26
Starting 12:01 AM, August 28 to 2 PM August 29
Additional dates in September and October to be announced.**

08/05/2019: Access across the Third Street Bridge was reopened around 2 PM on August 5. The next round of full bridge closures will occur between August 15 through August 26. Bridge closure preparation activity will begin the evening of August 14, 2019. Access across the Third Street Bridge will be restricted for all vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic.

07/17/19: Access across Third Street Bridge will be reopened starting at 6 AM on Thursday, July 18. Please note, travel lanes have been adjusted for the next phase of rehabilitation activity. Access across the bridge will be available via one traffic lane in each northbound and southbound direction. The next round of full bridge closures will occur between July 25 through August 5th. Bridge closure preparation activity will begin the evening of July 24, 2019. Access across the Third Street Bridge will be restricted for all vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic. 

ACCESS TO CHANNEL STREET AND 4TH STREET BRIDGE
Local access is ALLOWED for all residents on Channel Street and Third Street. Please check in with parking control officers should you require local access. Please note, access may be delayed due to traffic conditions and to obey all traffic directions from parking control officers onsite.  

4th Street Bridge is open and access across the bridge is generally available throughout the Third Street Bridge closure. Please note that during Peak Commute Hours (M-F 7 AM to 10 AM and 3 PM to 7 PM), at the discretion of parking control officers and SFPD, access may be temporarily restricted to clear congested traffic through the area and to allow trains through. Vehicles will be redirected to alternative detour routes. We STRONGLY encourage drivers to use detour route #4 (16th St > 7th St > Townsend St > 3rd St) during peak commute hours for northbound travel. Please see links below for additional suggested detour routes. 

07/05/19: Reminder - On select dates between July 8 and August 23, 2019, access to the Third Street Bridge will be restricted for all vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic. Bridge closure preparation activity will begin the evening of July 7, 2019. 

Berry Street tempoary bicycle lane detour: Starting the evening of Friday, July 5, 2019, SFMTA will temporarily install a protected westbound bicycle lane along the north side curb of Berry Street between 3rd and 4th streets. Parking spaces along Berry Street will be shifted to be adjacent to the temporary bike lane throughout the closure period. Some parking spaces will be temporarily unavailable adjacent to driveways to help improve visibility. Please DO NOT park or pull into the bicycle lane or crosshatched area at any time and utilize designated loading and unloading zones and parking spaces adjacent to the bike lane as needed. Trash dumpsters may be put in the parking spaces (not in the bike lane or crosshatched area) for collection as normal. (How to park on Berry Street during the bridge closure.)

06/24/19: Reminder - The contractor will begin working a second shift involving night work starting on the evening of June 24, 2019 between the hours of 8 PM and 7 AM. Work will continue nightly through 7 AM on October 4, 2019. Crews will begin the process to transition into phase 2 of rehabilitation work between Tuesday, June 25 and Sunday, June 30, 2019 and will implement travel lane adjustments accordingly. 

• Starting the evening of July 7 to July 17, 2019
• July 25 to August 5, 2019 (Marathon participant access across Third Street Bridge will be available during the SF Marathon on July 28, 2019.) 
• August 15 to August 23 26, 2019
• Additional dates in September and October to be announced.**

Suggested Vehicle, Bicycle and Pedestrian Detour Routes: 

Pedestrian Detour Route

Bicycle Detour Route

Local Access

Northbound and Southbound Vehicle Detour Route (Google Maps view available here)

(**Please note: Anticipated closure dates are subject to change. Additional periods of temporary full bridge closures may occur in September and October 2019, as necessary, to complete remaining rehabilitation work. Information will be shared closer to that period once additional closures details are finalized.)

06/14/19: Crews will begin transition into phase 2 of rehabilitation work starting on Tuesday, June 25, 2019, which will consist of travel lane shifts. Vehicle and bicycle access via travel lanes across the bridge will continue to be available* in each direction in the north and south bound directions. Pedestrian access will be available via the sidewalk along the eastern side of the bridge. Bicycles may also choose to walk their bicycle along the pedestrian sidewalk as an alternative to riding across the bridge via the travel lane. Pedestrian access via the sidewalk along the western side of the bridge may be unavailable during different phases of upcoming work. 

Crews will soon begin rehabilitation work on the Third Street Bridge that will require the implementation of a temporary full closure (24 hours per day) of the bridge to all vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic. Full temporary bridge closures will be in effect between the following dates**: Starting the evening of July 7 to July 17, 2019, July 25 to August 5, 2019 and August 15 to August 23, 2019. Additional periods of short full bridge closures are also anticipated in September and October 2019 as necessary to complete remaining rehabilitation work. Information will be shared closer to that period when additional closures details are finalized.

As a reminder, the contractor will also soon begin a second shift involving night work starting on the evening of June 24, 2019 between the hours of 8 PM and 7 AM. Night work is anticipated to continue through 7 AM on October 4, 2019. Every effort will be made by the contractor to minimize construction related noise impacts during nighttime work, but please note that general construction related noise from the use of, including, but not limited to; heavy equipment such as forklifts and generators and manual hammering to secure scaffolding, is to be expected.

Suggested vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian detour routes for use during periods of temporary full bridge closures are being finalized will be shared in the coming weeks. 

*(Except during periods of full temporary bridge closures when the pending scope of work restricts access across the bridge for all vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic.)

06/10/19: Notice of Upcoming Night Work Shift: In additional to normal construction hours, crews will begin a night shift starting Monday, June 24, 2019 from 8 PM to 7 AM through Friday October 4, 2019 at 7 AM. Shifts may vary from five days per week to seven days per week depending on the work activities being performed. The scope of night work includes, but not limited to; blasting and painting of structural steel, installation and removal of temporary scaffolding, demolition of bridge decking, installation of electrical and mechanical items, and installation of new pedestrian walkway.

05/31/19: Notice of Upcoming Night Work and Temporary 30-Minute Bridge Closures. Crews will soon begin scaffolding installation work after normal work hours. Night work is being performed to facilitate the installation of scaffolding over the roadway. This phase of work is scheduled to begin Monday, June 3, 2019 at 8 PM and work is anticipated to continue each evening from 8 PM to 7 AM the following morning through Friday, June 7, 2019 at 7AM. Scaffolding installation work will also require a temporary full closure of all travel lanes on the 3rd Street Bridge for 30-minute intervals to allow for crews to safely install the scaffolding system over the roadway. Access across the bridge will be temporarily restricted for up to 30 minutes at a time for all vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic. 

05/13/19: Crews continue to work on rehabilitation activity on the Third Street Bridge, performing bridge deck replacement work as part of phase 1. Crews anticipate phase 1 activity to continue through June 2019. Once phase 1 rehabilitation activity is completed, crews will begin transition into phase 2, which will involve traffic lane reconfiguration. Starting Thursday, May 16, 2019, crews will begin suspended platform installation activity on the bridge that will require short periods of temporary full closure of the bridge in each direction to all pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle traffic. Access will be restricted for up to 10 minutes at a time, with up to 4 closure periods per day between the hours of 7 AM and 3 PM. Temporary closures to allow for suspended platform installation is anticipated to be completed by Thursday, May 23, 2019, depending on suitable weather conditions. Crews plan to work on Saturday, May 18, 2019. Crews do NOT plan to work on Monday, May 27, 2019 in observance of Memorial Day. San Francisco Public Works offices will also be closed. Crews will resume work on Tuesday, May 28, 2019.

03/25/19: Please be advised that this evening, March 25, 2019 marks the San Francisco Giants first pre-season home game at Oracle Park, which will bring additional traffic congestion to the area. Given the large attendance expected, additional measures have been taken to accommodate and protect pedestrians passing between Parking Lot A and Mission Bay on the south side of the bridge and the stadium on the north side of the bridge. The contractor has installed delineators and merge signage along Third Street to taper the north bound traffic to one lane at Terry Francois Blvd, and then flare out to two lanes at Berry Street. On the bridge itself, pedestrians and vehicles will be separated with a concrete barrier and solid steel plates are installed on the pedestrian side to make walking on the deck easier and safer. The southbound traffic will remain in the westernmost lane of the bridge.  This traffic configuration will remain in place for the remaining duration of Phase 1, which is anticipated to continue through late-April.

02/08/19: On Saturday, February 9, 2019 from 10 AM to 3 PM, the San Francisco Giants will be holding Fan Fest. With the anticipated additional pedestrian foot traffic in the area, please remember to use allow for additional travel time through the area and to use marked pedestrian cross walks at Terry A. Francois Blvd. and at Berry Street to cross 3rd Street. Pedestrian access across the bridge is open along the west sidewalk of the bridge. 

01/18/19: Phase 1 rehabilitation activity continues on the Third Street Bridge and crews are continuing to work on below deck, blasting and painting activity. Bridge deck removal is nearing completion and steel repairs and deck replacement work will soon begin. Above the bridge deck, scaffolding installation is in progress to prepare the bridge for blasting and painting activity of the upper trusses. Phase 1 rehabilitation activity is anticipated to be completed in early April 2019. 

Crews WILL be working on Monday, January 21, 2019, but please note that San Francisco Public Works offices will be closed in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Also, please note that the Northern California Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Foundation is organizing a march across the Third Street Bridge starting around 11 AM from the 4th Street Caltrain station. For more information about the march, please visit: www.sfmlkday.org. (Please be advised for anyone participating in the march, bridge traffic lanes have open grid decking, which may not be suitable for heels and small feet. Please use caution when walking across the bridge and consider using the timber sidewalk adjacent to the bridge to cross.)

Once Phase 1 rehabilitation activity is completed, crews will begin transition into Phase 2, which will involve shifting both north and south bound travel lanes to accommodate ongoing rehabilitation activity. Two north bound and one south bound travel lanes for vehicles and bicycles and pedestrian pathways across the bridge will be maintained during Phase 2 rehabilitation work. 

As of January 18, 2019, emergency repair of the sewer outfall structure has been completed. Repairs began on November 2, 2018. Public access to China Basin Park remains open via the east end entrance. Please use the public right of way along Terry A. Francois Blvd. to access the park. Now that emergency repairs are complete, the west end entrance and crosswalk at the NE corner of 3rd Street and Terry A. Francois Blvd. will be reopened as soon as crews complete relocation of equipment and materials. (Relocation of equipment is anticipated to be completed by the end of January 2019.)

12/12/18: As part of Phase 1 of rehabilitation of the Third Street Bridge, crews have completed below deck installation of the debris containment system and have installed paint blasting and coating equipment at the south bridge approach. These sealed systems allow the contractor to perform repairs and paint work while minimizing and containing any excess dust or debris. Additional ongoing rehabilitation activity includes removal of the old bridge decking and blasting and painting operations. In the coming weeks, crews will begin installation of a suspended platform and above deck scaffolding system and containment of steel truss members. Phase 1 of rehabilitation activity is anticipated to be completed in mid-March 2019. Crews will then transition into Phase 2, which will involve shifting both north and south bound travel lanes to accommodate ongoing rehabilitation activity. Two north bound and one south bound travel lanes for vehicles and bicycles and pedestrian pathways across the bridge will be maintained during Phase 2 rehabilitation work. 

Emergency repair of the sewer outfall structure began on November 2, 2018. Contractors have installed temporary shoring and extracted the collapsed section of sewer and manhole. Utility relocation and pile installation is complete. The fluctuating bay tides create added challenges to the timing of the repair work as the water level crests and troughs twice daily. As a result, occasional after hour work may be necessary to carry out certain construction activities during low tide. The contractor will take every effort to minimize disruption to residents and traffic as they work to complete emergency repairs as quickly and safely as possible. Emergency repair work is not anticipated to cause additional impact to traffic in the area as work will be within an area that has already been closed off to traffic during the first phase of bridge rehabilitation work. Crews anticipate emergency sewer repairs to be completed by December 29, 2018.

11/21/18: As a result of this emergency repair work, the west end entrance to China Basin Park has been temporarily blocked off. The park remains open to the public and access to the park is still available via the east end entrance. Please use the public right of way along Terry A. Francois Blvd. to access the park.

11/09/18: The Third Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project is underway and crews are currently in the process of installing a containment platform below the bridge deck. The first phase of work also saw the closure of the two eastern traffic lanes and eastern sidewalk to facilitate replacement of the decking and repair and repaint steel members on the east half of the bridge. The remaining three traffic lanes have been re-striped to allow for two northbound lanes and one southbound lane for the duration of the first phase of work, which is anticipated to continue through February 2019. In mid-November, crews will begin work to suspend a scaffold system to enclose the portions of the bridge structure above the roadway. This activity may result in temporary short duration bridge closures during off-peak times to safely attach the scaffold system to the bridge. Both the below deck platform and above deck scaffold containment systems will not restrict vehicle, pedestrian, or bicycle access in the area outside of the construction area. Maritime access under the bridge will be restricted and open only for kayak access through a designated lane between piers. Detailed information has been posted in the Local Notice to Mariners by the US Coast Guard.

NOTICE OF ADJACENT EMERGENCY SEWER REPAIR WORK
Occurring near, but unrelated to Third Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project, SFPUC recently discovered a short cracked section of sewer pipe used for outfall and the City has declared an emergency to perform needed repairs. Work will occur just north of the bridge in the two eastern lanes. Emergency repair work is not anticipated to cause additional impact to traffic in the area as work will be within an area that has already been closed off to traffic during the first phase of bridge rehabilitation work. You may start to notice additional crews on-site as early as Friday, 11/9/18 to perform preliminary assessment work, deliver construction safety materials and set up fencing at the perimeter of the repair area. Repairs may begin starting as soon as Monday, 11/12/18. Crews may need to work work evenings and weekends to accelerate repairs. 

09/28/18: Phase II of the Third Street Bridge rehabilitation Project will begin starting on Monday, October 1, 2018. During rehabilitation work, access across the bridge will be maintained for vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic, except for instances where temporary full bridge closures are required. Please be aware that travel lanes will be reduced, restricted, or altered as needed during different phases of rehabilitation work on the bridge. At this time, the contractor does not anticipate a need for full bridge closures until summer 2019, though certain rehabilitation activities may require periodic short term full bridge closures. Wherever possible, the Contractor and San Francisco Public Works will reach out and provide early notification about the timing and duration of such closures. 

The first phase of work will start with the closure the two eastern traffic lanes and eastern sidewalk to facilitate replacement of the decking and repair and repaint steel members on the east half of the bridge.  The remaining three traffic lanes will be re-striped to allow for two northbound lanes and one southbound lane for the duration of the first phase of work, which is anticipated to continue through January 2019. 

On October 1, 2018, pending suitable weather* conditions, the contractor will implement temporary traffic control as needed to transition vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians along Third Street in order to install temporary lane transitions and re-striping the street for the First Phase of work. Once traffic control plans are fully implemented, fencing will be installed around the construction area. Over the next two weeks through mid-October, a platform will be suspended from the bridge deck to provide access to the underside of the bridge as well as to provide full containment to catch any debris and prevent it from dropping in the Bay. In late-October, scaffolding will be erected within the work area to access the above deck members on the east side of the bridge and to install full containment to protect the public and the environment from rehabilitation work.  Both the below deck platform and above deck scaffold containment systems will not restrict vehicle, pedestrian, or bicycle access in the area outside of the construction area.  Maritime access under the bridge will be restricted and open only for kayak access through a designated lane between piers. Detailed information will also be posted in the Local Notice to Mariners by the US Coast Guard. 

09/14/18: Phase II of the Third Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project will soon begin mobilization activity onto Terry A. Francois Blvd. in preparation for rehabilitation work starting in October 2018 for Lefty O'Doul Bridge on Third Street between Berry Street and Terry A Francois Boulevard. Crews recently completed pre-construction assessment work of the bridge the week of September 4th, 2018. During preliminary assessment work, crews documented the current condition of the bridge mechanical systems, steel members, and in-water pile systems. Starting Monday, September 17, 2018, access onto Terry A Francois Blvd. between Third Street and the northeast corner will be CLOSED to vehicular through traffic for the duration of rehabilitation work. Rehabilitation work will begin in early October 2018 is anticipated to continue through January 2020. 

The northern half of Terry A. Francois Blvd. between 3rd Street and the NE corner will be fenced-off and used as a construction yard to stage construction trailers, materials and equipment. The southern half of Terry Francois Blvd. will be converted into a two-way bicycle lane for the duration of rehabilitation work.  Access for emergency vehicles along this stretch of Terry A. Francois Blvd. will be maintained; however personal/private vehicle access will be restricted. Drivers are encouraged to use Mission Rock Street as a detour route to access the surrounding area. While detour signs at Mission Rock will direct northbound through traffic on Terry A. Francois Blvd. to turn left, all businesses along Terry A. Francois Blvd. north of Mission Rock will remain accessible to vehicles. Pedestrian access to the public right of way and sidewalks along Terry A. Francois Blvd. and "The Yard" will be maintained at all times. (Click Here for a diagram of the planned traffic striping changes for Terry A. Francois Blvd.) 

What To Expect During Phase II Rehabilitation Work: 

Starting September 17, 2018, the bridge draw span will be locked in the down position and will not be available for any requested bridge lifts until completion of the project in early 2020. Rehabilitation work on the bridge will commence on October 1, 2018, starting with installation of containment scaffolding, pending favorable traffic and tide conditions.  The contractor will implement traffic control plans as needed to redirect vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians to safely perform the work.

At this time, the contractor does not anticipate a need for full bridge closures until summer 2019, though certain rehabilitation activities may require periodic short term full bridge closures. Wherever possible, the Contractor and San Francisco Public Works will reach out and provide early notification about the timing and duration of such closures. 

During rehabilitation work, access across the bridge will be maintained for vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic, except for instances where temporary full bridge closures are required. Please be aware that travel lanes may be reduced, restricted, or altered as needed during different phases of rehabilitation work on the bridge. Detailed project information about the phasing and sequencing of upcoming work and updated traffic routing plans will be posted on the web page and shared with the public as we get closer to the start of construction.

09/04/2018: This is a reminder that crews will be performing pre-construction assessment work on the Third Street Bridge this week through Friday, September 7th, between the hours of 10 AM and 2 PM. This work is being done to document the current condition of the bridge mechanical systems, steel members and in-water pile systems prior to the actual start of bridge rehabilitation work scheduled to begin in early October 2018. During preliminary assessment work, crews may need to temporarily lift the bridge or restrict vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian traffic across the bridge for short periods of time, i.e. traffic restrictions may be up in 10-15 minute increments over the hours of the mid-day non peak traffic periods. Please expect intermittent, traffic disruptions during this period. 

Please note: starting September 17, 2018, the bridge will be locked in the down position and will not be raised for maritime traffic until the completion of rehabilitation work. Vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian access across the bridge will be maintained. Crews will also begin setting up a construction yard along the northern half of Terry A. Francois Blvd. starting the week of September 17, 2018. Private vehicle access through Terry A. Francois Blvd. between 3rd and the NE corner will be restricted. Access will remain available for emergency vehicles and bicyclists. Pedestrian access along the public right of way/sidewalk on Terry A. Francois Blvd. (i.e. to The Yard) will also be maintained. 

08/29/2018: Crews will perform pre-construction assessment work the week of September 4, 2018. Starting September 17, 2018, 3rd Street Bridge will be locked in the down position and will not be available for any lifts until completion of rehabilitation work in late 2019. Crews also anticipate they will start to mobilize into the area along the northern half of Terry A. Francois Boulevard beginning the week of September 17, 2018 to set up their construction laydown yard. Rehabilitation work on the bridge is anticipated to begin starting the week of October 1, 2018. For more information, please see the latest construction update notice.

08/07/2018: Pre-construction survey work originally scheduled for August 8 and August 10 has been postponsed and will be rescheduled for a later date in late August or early September. 

08/01/2018: Construction on Phase II of the Third Street Bridge Restoration Project is set to begin in mid-September 2018. Phase I was completed earlier this year. You may notice construction crews and engineers on site over the next few weeks performing some preliminary assessments and measurements on the bridge prior to actual rehabilitation work starting on both the deck and from the channel. 

During preliminary assessment work, tentatively scheduled for August 8 and August 10, 2018 between the hours of 10 AM and 2 PM, crews may need to temporary lift the bridge or restrict vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian traffic across the bridge for short periods of time, i.e. traffic restrictions may be in 10-15 minutes increments over the course of the mid-day non peak traffic periods. Please expect minor intermittent traffic disruptions during this period. 

What to expect during Phase II: Once rehabilitation work begins, the bridge will be lowered and locked in the down position. For a major part of the 15-month construction duration, the bridge will remain accessible to vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists. But please note that over the course of the project, there will be some instances where a full short-term bridge closure is required to gain access to areas underneath the bridge or to safely install scaffolding above the roadway. While we anticipate traffic disruptions during general rehabilitation work to be less intrusive than full long-term bridge closures, we advise you to plan accordingly and to allocate additional travel time or utilize alternative routes during rehabilitation work to reach your destination. During rehabilitation work, access for watercraft traffic under the bridge will limited to kayaks or other vessels that can safely pass below the closed bridge. The bridge will not be raised for the duration of this phase. Vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic across the bridge will be maintained during rehabilitation work, except for the instances where a full bridge closure is required, but please be aware that travel lanes may be restricted or altered during different phases of rehabilitation work on the bridge. We will continue to share more detailed information about the phasing and sequencing of the work as we get closer to the start of construction.

01/22/2018: Construction crews have completed phase one of rehabilitation work on the Third Street Bridge. The bridge is anticipated to re-open to all vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic by 5:00 PM, Monday 01/22/18. We are pleased to report that crews were able to complete counterweight repairs several days ahead of schedule. We thank you for your patience and cooperation during this first phase of repair work.

01/08/2018: Construction crews have nearly completed all repairs on the east counterweight, with final punch list items to be completed this week, weather permitting. Work is continuing on the west counterweight with crews reinforcing dowels and performing concrete repairs over the next few weeks. Crews are currently on schedule to complete counterweight repairs by 01/26/18*. 

Crews will be working on Monday 01/15/17. The MLK march on 01/15/17, from the 4th and King Caltrain Station to Yerba Buena Gardens, will be rerouted due to the ongoing closure of the Third Street Bridge. The march route will now travel from the Caltrain station down 4th Street, to Berry Street to 3rd Street and up to Howard Street to Yerba Buena Gardens. SFMTA continues to actively monitor traffic conditions and assign resources as needed to help ease congestion. We thank you for your continued patience during these critical counterweight repairs and understand your frustrations with the increased amount of traffic in the area.

12/19/2017: Roadway closures began at 9 AM on Monday, 12/11/17 as originally scheduled and the bridge was raised at approximately 11 AM and locked in the full upright position. Crews have erected scaffolding around the east and west counterweights, and once in place, crews will wrap the scaffolding with protective shrink wrap. Crews will then begin demolition of the concrete on the counterweights. Demolition activity is anticipated to continue through 12/29/17. General construction related noise is to be expected during this period.

12/04/2017: BRIDGE CLOSURE NOTICE - Crews will raise and lock the bridge in the full upright position to perform counterweight repair work on the Third Street Bridge starting on Monday, December 11, 2017. Access to cross the bridge will be closed to all pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle traffic during this period. Maritime traffic through the channel will not be impacted during counterweight repair work. Work is anticipated to continue through Friday, January 26, 2018. Parking control officers will be onsite to monitor traffic conditions and help direct traffic in the area surrounding the Third Street Bridge. SFMTA will restrict parking along the north side of Berry Street during this period and will install a temporary bicycle lane along the north side of Berry Street to accommodate rerouted traffic. Parking restrictions will be in effect 24-hours a day, Monday-Sunday and drivers are advised to not park or pull into the restricted area/bicycle lane. Normal parking continue to be available along the south side of Berry Street. Along the north side, drivers may pull into the designated white curb loading zone for active loading and unloading. Following completion of counterweight repair work, parking will be restored on the north side of Berry Street. Trash receptacles may be put into the designated crosshatch area on Berry Street (but not place into the bike lane) for collection as normal.

10/30/2017: The Third Street Bridge is anticipated to be closed and locked in the upright position between December 11, 2017 and January 26, 2018 to facilitate counterweight repair work.  Additional restoration work anticipated to begin starting in early spring 2018. Work is being done during this off-season period to accomidate the San Francisco Giants and to minimize impacts to the general public. More details will be announced soon.

(Click on the links below for ARCHIVED detour route maps.)

More information about the project will be updated on this page as project details are finalized and made available to the public. 

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