Golden Gate Bridge prepares temporary access platforms for seismic works

Temporary access platforms will be lowered beneath San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge as contractors prepare for the final phase of a major programme to strengthen the landmark against earthquakes.

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Night-time lane closures will allow crews to lower access platforms beneath the roadway as work progresses on the bridge’s final seismic retrofit phase.

Temporary access platforms will be lowered beneath San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge from Monday 5 October as contractors prepare for the next stage of seismic strengthening work.

The Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District announced overnight lane closures on 2 October to provide space for crews to lower the platforms and construction materials beneath the deck. Traffic will continue in both directions throughout the operations. District announcement

The access works support Phase 3B of the retrofit programme, covering the main suspension span, both towers, the side spans and the south tower pier.

Halmar International is delivering the first construction contract, focused on the towers and side spans. The District approved the US$863.9m award in October 2025, with the notice to proceed taking effect on 5 January 2026. District engineering report

Construction access planning formed part of Halmar’s earlier preconstruction role, alongside detailed scheduling and work with the District’s engineering team to finalise the construction documents. Halmar’s project details

The first week’s closures are scheduled between 9pm and 5am from Monday to Thursday nights. One southbound and two northbound lanes will remain open, with no closures scheduled for Friday 9 October.

Phase 3B is scheduled to run from 2026 to 2036 through two consecutive construction contracts. The wider works include strengthening tower bases and trusses, replacing expansion joints and installing energy dissipation devices.

The final phase is intended to keep the bridge operational after a major earthquake, supporting emergency response and access across the bay. Project overview

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