Bay Bridge Now Open

The Bay Bridge opened at about 9 am today, after being closed for emergency repairs since last Tuesday evening.

But by 4.30 pm tonight - pics above - the bridge was still

quiet with a much reduced flow of traffic. Many commuters had travelled to the city this morning by BART or on ferries.

Early this morning KRON4 reported that repairs to the bridge were being tested and that Caltrans were 'very optimistic' of it opening later today. Though not in time for the the morning commute.

Camera shots showed vehicles being driven on the bridge as part of testing.

The problem engineers were working on, reported KRON4, was preventing steel rods from rubbing against each other once the bridge is back in use.

During the closure BART trains have carried record numbers of passengers and have run overnight services on Friday and Saturday. Ferries across the bay have also had increased numbers of travellers.

For further info: KRON4.com