A serious crash on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Thursday morning brought traffic to a complete standstill, closing all lanes on the busy span and prompting an urgent response from the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The incident occurred during morning commute hours and caused significant disruptions for drivers traveling between Contra Costa and Marin counties.
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According to the CHP, the accident happened “at midspan” on the bridge, which stretches over the San Francisco Bay and serves as a major thoroughfare for commuters and freight transport. While specific details regarding the number of vehicles involved, potential injuries, or the cause of the crash were not immediately released, CHP confirmed that all lanes in both directions were temporarily shut down to allow emergency personnel to respond safely.
Motorists approaching the bridge from either side were met with extensive delays and were urged to seek alternate routes, such as the Bay Bridge or the San Mateo Bridge, if possible. Traffic quickly backed up on Highway 580, with vehicles at a standstill for miles, as tow trucks and emergency crews worked to clear the scene and assess damage.
“We are asking drivers to be patient and avoid the area as much as possible,” CHP posted on social media, noting that there was no estimated time for the reopening of lanes. “Safety is our top priority as we continue to investigate and manage the scene.”
Live traffic cameras and aerial footage showed multiple vehicles stopped near the center of the bridge, though weather conditions appeared clear at the time of the crash. The midspan location of the accident posed particular challenges for first responders, as access to the scene was limited and required coordinated efforts from both eastbound and westbound entry points.
The Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, which spans approximately 5.5 miles, is a critical link for daily traffic and commercial transportation. Any significant incident, particularly during peak travel hours, has the potential to create ripple effects throughout the Bay Area’s already congested traffic network.
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) also issued alerts through its traffic management system and social media, advising drivers to monitor real-time updates and avoid the route until the bridge is deemed safe for travel. Authorities remained on scene into the late morning, working to reopen lanes as quickly and safely as possible.
At this time, CHP has not confirmed whether the crash resulted in any injuries or fatalities. Further details are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
For the latest updates on the incident and traffic conditions, motorists and residents are encouraged to check official channels such as sfchronicle.com, CHP social media accounts, and local news outlets.
As crews continue their work and commuters deal with significant delays, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of driver vigilance and the challenges of maintaining safety on vital infrastructure like the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge.