Crash closes Golden Gate Bridge

March 26, 2008

The San Francisco Chronicle reports that at 2:43 pm today there was a multi-vehicle crash on the Golden Gate with major injuries and 11 vehicles involved which closed the bridge. KPIX reports that ten or 11 vehicles involved in the pileup blocked three southbound lanes and two northbound lanes.

511.org says:

“Golden Gate Bridge Shut Down Due to Injury Accident (3/26/08 2:56 p.m.) The Golden Gate Bridge is shut down in both northbound and southbound directions due to a multiple vehicle injury accident. Traffic is being diverted and a severe traffic alert is in effect. Motorists are advised to avoid the area, expect delays and to take the Bay Bridge and the Richmond San Rafael Bridge as alternate routes. Estimated time of reopening is unknown.”

At 3:47 pm the CHP said that the roadway should be open in about 10 minutes. Some vehicle is using the Waldo tunnel to do a u-turn and a CHP responded at 3:55pm.

At 3:53 pm 2 North Bound lanes were opened. South Bound lanes still shut down.

At 4:04 pm 1 South Bound lane is open with 2-3 being closed for another 10-15 minutes more. A concerned mother notifies CHP daughter and granddaughter may be involved in traffic collision.

4:09 pm there is a Silver SUV blocking #1 lane in Waldo Tunnel and all North Bound traffic is opened. At 4:10 pm all vehicles are at Vista Point.

At 4:17 pm CHP reports that all lanes are open. KRON reports that it takes 63 minutes to get from Van Ness Avenue to Vista Point. Commuters from SF to North Bay will be delayed. South Bound traffic is backed up to Mill Valley.