November 2, 2009
Afternoon Lane Configurations Changed on Golden Gate Bridge
Since 2002, in response to increased southbound traffic and decreased northbound traffic during the evening hours, the Golden Gate Bridge roadway has been routinely configured with three (3) lanes north out of the City and three (3) lanes south.
Beginning Monday, November 2, 2009, in response to changing traffic patterns, a new lane configuration was implemented for the weekday evening commute periods: the Golden Gate Bridge roadway proper will now be routinely configured with four (4) northbound lanes out of the City and two (2) southbound lanes into the City starting about 5 pm each weekday evening.
Golden Gate Bridge lane configurations are based on real-time traffic demand and to accommodate extenuating circumstances such as accidents or special events, with the underlying goal of providing reasonable mobility for everyone without causing undue hardship to anyone.
Over the past several months, northbound congestion during the evening commute period has increased dramatically to the point that the inconvenience to our northbound customers has become unreasonable. Therefore, a decision was made by Bridge Management to reinstitute four (4) northbound and two (2) southbound lanes during the weekday evening commute period. While this configuration may introduce some delays for southbound traffic, it will provide significant relief to our northbound motorists.
This new lane configuration will remain in effect over the next few months to see how traffic is responding and best determine the next step.
If you would like to comment on this topic, please email bridgecomments@goldengate.org.