Antioch Bridge

Antioch Bridge is a toll road bridge spanning the San Joaquin River to connect Contra Costa County with Sacramento County. The structure has one traffic lane in each direction and uses steel plate girder construction.

The original bridge from 1926 suffered repeated collisions with ships due to narrow shipping channels. A new structure was built in 1978 to better accommodate river traffic.

The bridge bears the name of Senator John A. Nejedly, who secured funding through state legislation to improve transportation infrastructure in northern California.

Vehicles pay a toll using electronic collection systems when crossing the bridge. The single lane in each direction means traffic moves carefully, especially during busy periods.

In 1965, three circus lions escaped from a truck on the bridge, with one falling into the San Joaquin River. This remains one of the most unusual incidents in the structure's history.

Location: Sacramento County

Location: Antioch

Official opening: December 1978

GPS coordinates: 38.02440,-121.75060

Latest update: December 8, 2025 13:43