Caltrans says work will begin next week to replace a damaged expansion joint on the upper deck of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, the source of falling concrete chunks that shut down the span and led to monstrous traffic tie-ups Thursday.
Caltrans District 4 Director Tony Tavares said in a Friday afternoon media briefing that work is expected to begin Monday night, weather permitting, to begin replacing the damaged steel joint and pour new concrete.
He said he anticipates construction crews will be on scene from about 9 p.m. through 3 a.m. during the project, which could last as long as several weeks. Occasional lane closures will be necessary.
Tavares said he expects the upcoming repair will cost around $300,000. He added that an inspection team will examine all the expansion joints on the 5.5-mile span in the next two weeks or so.
The bridge was closed late Thursday morning after a chunk of concrete, variously described as football-sized or basketball-sized, fell and struck a car traveling on the span's eastbound lower deck.