Old Bridge Demolition

The existing East Span is scheduled for demolition in 2007 after the new bridge opens.

According to Caltrans, the demolition will be done very carefully, section by section, with pieces lowered on to barges and taken to a steel mill for recycling. The piers in the water must also be removed so they won't get in the way of ships and boats.

When Caltrans removed the old Antioch and Dumbarton Bridges, its contractor used explosives, had the pieces of the bridges tied to cables and pulled them out of the water afterward.

On the Bay Bridge, Caltrans will not allow that because of possible harm to fish and marine mammals in the area. The old bridge is a historical structure so Caltrans must make a detailed record of it with photographs and videos before it's gone.