Movable median barriers were installed at the Golden Gate Bridge last weekend. The barrier will make for a more efficient and safer system of traffic lanes in the area.
"With the installation of the moveable median barrier comes a new and different driving experience across the Golden Gate Bridge. Today, plastic tubular pylons are used to separate opposing lanes of traffic on the Bridge. The new barrier system will provide a safer and more efficient system of dividing opposing lanes of traffic," GoldenGate.Org shared on their official website.
Since the Golden Gate was closed to traffic during the weekend, commuters were also given alternate routes they can take while the installation was in progress. The Gate was due for re-opening Monday, Jan. 12, at 4:00 a.m PST, but was re-opened hours earlier than expected.
Many expected the public to get upset over heavy traffic during installation, but locals were glad that their famed bridge is getting the treatment it deserves. Travel time took two to three times longer via the alternative routes.
Prior to the installment of the safety barrier, 128 head on collisions have already occurred. These collisions left 16 people dead, according to Priya David Clemens, Golden Gate Bridge spokeswoman said.
Since 1962, the bridge only utilized plastic pylons to divide opposing traffic lanes. Drivers who cross the bridge would have to be extra wary of what might come their way due to the weak barrier in place. Accidents were pretty common along the Golden Gate Bridge, despite its classy demeanor.
Apart from the safety barrier, speed limit was also lowered by 10 MPH in the Gate, from 55 miles per hour down to 45 miles per hour. The crew also made changes to the US Highway 101 southbound lane (Waldo Grade) from the Waldo Tunnel going to the Bridge.
According to Clemens, Instead of merging left to right, vehicles will now merge from right to left.
Constructed in 1933, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco does not only attract tourists, but also a main thoroughfare for commuters and drivers coming from opposite ends of the Bridge. The Golden Gate Bridge connects San Francisco City and the northern part of the SF Peninsula to Marin County.
