Update from the City of Coronado:
In response to concerns about traffic congestion on the San Diego-Coronado Bridge Sunday, Caltrans announced Monday that it will begin nightly work to swap out the Movable Concrete Barrier one hour later during the week, and two hours later on Sunday. Commuters and residents complained Monday about backups on the bridge because of the Caltrans project, which began at 7 p.m. on Sunday. Visitors typically pack Coronado’s beaches, parks and shops during the busy summer months. Work will now begin at 8 p.m. weeknights, and at 9 p.m. on Sunday. The project is expected to take no more than two weeks to complete and involves reducing lanes and closing ramps on and off the bridge. During that time, there will be one lane open in each direction, and no lane closures will take place overnight on Friday or Saturday. Caltrans also announced it will place electronic signs around the bridge to advise drivers of the work and potential delays. Questions related to the traffic impacts may be directed to Caltrans at (619) 688-6723.
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The below video (shot by TheCoronadoclarion) shows the new lane barrier (aka the “zipper”) and transport machines that will be used to move the “transition wall” between inbound and outbound lanes on the Coronado Bridge. It’s been 18 years since it’s been replaced. eCoronado.com has already received calls and emails about traffic backing up, so please plan ahead.
Notice from Caltrans:
SAN DIEGO – One lane in each direction will be closed on the Coronado Bridge to replace the two Movable Concrete Barrier Machines and the Moveable Concrete Barrier, according to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). The work will be performed between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and is expected to take less than two weeks to complete.
The nighttime closure includes the northbound Interstate 5 connector ramps to and the bridge, as well as the connector ramp from the bridge to Cesar E. Chavez Parkway/Logan Avenue. Detour signs will be posted to assists motorists around the work.
The Moveable Concrete Barrier was last replaced in 1993. It is moved four times a day Monday through Friday and special events on weekends. It takes about 35 minutes to move on a typical day.
The work is taking place at night because of the high traffic volume during daylight hours. If you see a Caltrans or other emergency vehicle on the side of the highway with its flashing light, move over if safe to do so, or slow down. It’s the law!
Related: Photos of the Zipper in action courtesy of Donal Hill.
