Broken concrete forces emergency repairs on Richmond-San Rafael Bridge

OAKLAND, Calif. - Caltrans maintenance crews discovered concrete breaking away on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge on Monday, prompting the closure of several lanes.

Discovered on upper deck of bridge

Caltrans shared a photo showing concrete appearing to slip away from a section near the western end of the upper deck.

Emergency repairs began shortly after the discovery.

Crews closed the No. 2 lane on the upper deck and the No. 2 and No. 3 lanes on the lower deck. The California Highway Patrol in Marin County estimated the work would continue until 8 p.m.

One lane of traffic in each direction will remain open while repairs are underway.

Drivers were urged to expect delays and consider alternate routes.

Emergency repairs on Richmond-San Rafael Bridge force lane closures

Caltrans maintenance crews discovered concrete breaking away on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge on Monday, prompting the closure of several lanes.

Concrete spalling

What they're saying:

Caltrans spokesperson Bart Ney said crews found what is known as "spalling," a form of concrete cracking that most people might equate to a pothole, measuring about 3 inches wide.

Ney said only a minimal amount of concrete broke away from the bridge, and as of now, there have been no reports of damage to vehicles.

In 2019, chunks of concrete fell from the bridge, but Ney said this recent incident is different.

The previous issue involved spalling around the joints.

"Those joints have been replaced since that," Ney said.

Joints are parts of the bridge where two sections or frames meet.