Citation

Gallup E. Calif. Transp. J. 2008; (2): 2-4.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, CalTrans Public Affairs Office)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article describes the new Benicia-Martinez Bridge, which crosses Carquinez Strait between Contra Costa and Solano Counties in California, and was completed in August 2007. The cast-in-place segmental bridge, which uses the balanced cantilever method, cost about $1 billion and replaced a bridge built in 1962. Its design incorporates light-weight concrete, “legs” built into rock, and girders with 1,000-ton spherical bearings that should allow the bridge to move six feet along the girder during a massive earthquake. The bridge, which features the San Francisco Bay Area’s first toll booth-free lanes for FastTrak customers, is also designed to accommodate light rail in the future.