Eastern span replacement of the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge

The eastern span of the Bay Bridge is a self-anchored suspension bridge with a single tower connecting Oakland to Yerba Buena Island. The structure includes ten traffic lanes on Interstate 80 and a separate path for cyclists and pedestrians along its southern side.

After damage from the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, officials began planning a replacement for the original 1930s steel structure. The new section opened in September 2013 following eleven years of construction.

Locals refer to the entire crossing as the Bay Bridge, though the eastern portion represents only half of the route linking Oakland to the bay. Cyclists and pedestrians use the dedicated path regularly for commuting or recreation, enjoying open water views along the way.

The bicycle and pedestrian path begins on the eastern shore in Oakland and runs several miles along the southern side to the island. Visitors should prepare for wind and temperature changes over open water, especially during afternoons.

The self-anchored design means the main cables do not end in separate anchorage blocks but attach directly to the roadway deck. This solution allowed construction without deep foundations in the bay mud.

Official opening: September 2, 2013

GPS coordinates: 37.81680,-122.35200

Latest update: December 5, 2025 16:34