Benicia–Martinez Bridge: Difference between revisions
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| caption = Aerial view of the Benicia–Martinez Bridge. From left to right: Southbound span (1962) Railway (1930) and Northbound span (2007) |
| caption = Aerial view of the Benicia–Martinez Bridge. From left to right: Southbound span (1962) Railway (1930) and Northbound span (2007) |
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| coordinates = {{ |
| coordinates = {{Coord|38.0406|N|122.1230|W|region:US_type:landmark|display=inline,title|format=dms}} |
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| os_grid_reference = |
| os_grid_reference = |
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| carries = {{ |
| carries = {{Bulleted list |
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|9 lanes (5 northbound, 4 southbound) of {{jct|state=CA|I|680}} |
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| url = http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist4/benicia/docs/benicia_martinez_nr090731.pdf |
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|Bicycles and pedestrians on southbound span<ref name="caltrans">{{Cite press release|url=https://www.dot.ca.gov/dist4/benicia/docs/benicia_martinez_nr090731.pdf|title=New Lanes to Open on Southbound Benicia-Martinez Bridge|publisher=[[California Department of Transportation|Caltrans]]|date=2009-07-29|access-date=2009-08-18}}</ref> |
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| title = New Lanes to Open on Southbound Benicia-Martinez Bridge |
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}} |
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| publisher = [[Caltrans]] |
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| date = 2009-07-29 |
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| access-date = 2009-08-18}}</ref> |
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| crosses = [[Carquinez Strait]] |
| crosses = [[Carquinez Strait]] |
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| locale = [[Martinez, California|Martinez]] and [[Benicia, California]], [[United States|U.S.]] |
| locale = [[Martinez, California|Martinez]] and [[Benicia, California]], [[United States|U.S.]] |
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| official_name = [[George Miller Jr.]], Memorial Bridge<ref name="bridgename">{{Cite web|url=https://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_0051-0100/acr_62_bill_20070705_amended_asm_v98.html|title=Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 62|publisher=[[California State Legislature]]|date=2007-07-05|access-date=2009-08-18}}</ref> (southbound span), Congressman [[George Miller (California politician)|George Miller]] Benicia–Martinez Bridge<ref name="bridgename"/> (northbound span) |
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| official_name = [[George Miller Jr.]], Memorial Bridge<ref name="bridgename">{{cite web |
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| url = http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_0051-0100/acr_62_bill_20070705_amended_asm_v98.html |
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| title = Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 62 |
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| publisher = [[California State Legislature]] |
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| date = 2007-07-05 |
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| access-date = 2009-08-18}}</ref> (southbound span), Congressman [[George Miller (California politician)|George Miller]] Benicia–Martinez Bridge<ref name="bridgename"/> (northbound span) |
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| other_name = |
| other_name = |
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| named_for = |
| named_for = |
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| owner = [[State of California]] |
| owner = [[California|State of California]] |
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| maint = [[California Department of Transportation]] and the [[Bay Area Toll Authority]] |
| maint = [[California Department of Transportation]] and the [[Bay Area Toll Authority]] |
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| heritage = |
| heritage = |
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| id = 28 |
| id = 28 0153L (1962 span)<br>28 0153R (2007 span) |
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| id_type = |
| id_type = |
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| website = {{Official website|www.bayareafastrak.org}} |
| website = {{Official website|www.bayareafastrak.org}} |
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| clearance_above = |
| clearance_above = |
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| clearance_below = <span style="white-space:nowrap">138 feet (42.1 m)</span> |
| clearance_below = <span style="white-space:nowrap">138 feet (42.1 m)</span> |
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⚫ | |||
| life = |
| life = |
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| architect = |
| architect = |
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| begin = |
| begin = |
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| complete = |
| complete = |
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| cost = [[United States dollar|US$]]25 million (southbound)<br |
| cost = [[United States dollar|US$]]25 million (southbound)<br> US$1.3 billion (northbound) |
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| open = 1962 (southbound)<br |
| open = 1962 (southbound)<br>2007 (northbound) |
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| inaugurated = |
| inaugurated = |
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| replaces = |
| replaces = |
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| replaced_by = |
| replaced_by = |
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| traffic = |
| traffic = |
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⚫ | |||
| toll = Cars (northbound only) <br /> {{Start and end dates|2022|01|01|2024|12|31}}:<br /> $7.00, $3.50 (carpool rush hours) |
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* Northbound only |
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* [[FasTrak]] or [[Video tolling|pay-by-plate]], cash not accepted |
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* Effective {{Start and end dates|2022|01|01|2024|12|31}}: |
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* $7.00 |
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* $3.50 (carpool rush hours, FasTrak only) |
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}} |
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The '''Benicia–Martinez Bridge''' refers to three parallel bridges which cross the [[Carquinez Strait]] just west of [[Suisun Bay]]; the spans link [[Benicia, California]] on the north side with [[Martinez, California]] on the south. |
The '''Benicia–Martinez Bridge''' refers to three parallel bridges which cross the [[Carquinez Strait]] just west of [[Suisun Bay]] in California; the spans link [[Benicia, California|Benicia]] on the north side with [[Martinez, California|Martinez]] on the south. |
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The original {{ |
The original {{Convert|1.2|mi|km|adj=mid}} deck [[truss bridge]] opened in 1962 to replace the last [[Roll-on/roll-off|automotive ferry]] service in the [[San Francisco Bay Area]]. The 1962 bridge has seven {{Convert|528|ft|m|adj=on}} spans and {{Convert|138|ft|m}} of vertical clearance, now carrying four lanes of southbound traffic, as well as a path for pedestrians and bicyclists.<ref name="caltrans"/> It was named the '''George Miller Jr., Memorial Bridge''' in 1975 after California state legislator [[George Miller Jr.]]<ref name="bridgename"/> A {{Convert|1.7|mi|km|adj=mid}} bridge was built alongside and opened on August 25, 2007 with five lanes of northbound traffic. In 2007, it was named the '''Congressman George Miller Benicia–Martinez Bridge''' after U.S. Congressman [[George Miller (California politician)|George Miller III]], Miller Jr.'s son.<ref name="bridgename"/> The cost of the 1962 span was [[United States dollar|US$]]25 million and US$1.3 billion for the 2007 span.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.timesheraldonline.com//ci_6725729|title=Bay Area's newest bridge is open for business|date=2007-08-26|access-date=2007-08-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927202139/https://www.timesheraldonline.com//ci_6725729|archive-date=2007-09-27|url-status=dead}}</ref> (Adjusted for [[inflation]], equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|25000000|1962}} }} and ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|1300000000|2007}} }} respectively.) The bridge is part of [[Interstate 680 (California)|Interstate 680]], a major transportation link connecting other heavily traveled freeways. |
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Between the two vehicle bridges is a [[Union Pacific Railroad]] bridge, the first bridge at this location, built between April 1929 and October 1930 by [[Southern Pacific Transportation Company|Southern Pacific]]. It is used by Union Pacific and [[BNSF Railway|BNSF]] ([[Arrangements between railroads#Trackage rights|trackage rights]]) [[freight train]]s and 36 scheduled [[Amtrak]] [[Train#Passenger trains|passenger trains]] each weekday. Passenger trains include the [[ |
Between the two vehicle bridges is a [[Union Pacific Railroad]] bridge, the first bridge at this location, built between April 1929 and October 1930 by [[Southern Pacific Transportation Company|Southern Pacific]]. It is used by Union Pacific and [[BNSF Railway|BNSF]] ([[Arrangements between railroads#Trackage rights|trackage rights]]) [[freight train]]s and 36 scheduled [[Amtrak]] [[Train#Passenger trains|passenger trains]] each weekday. Passenger trains include the [[Inter-city rail|long-distance trains]] ''[[California Zephyr]]'' and ''[[Coast Starlight]]'' and [[Commuter rail|commuter-oriented]] ''[[Capitol Corridor]]'' services. |
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==Tolling== |
==Tolling== |
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Tolls are only collected from northbound traffic at the toll plaza on the south side of the bridge. |
Tolls are only collected from northbound traffic at the toll plaza on the south side of the bridge. [[All-electronic tolling]] has been in effect since 2020, and drivers may either pay using the [[FasTrak]] electronic toll collection device, using the license plate tolling program, or via a one time payment online. Effective {{Start and end dates|2022|01|01|2024|12|31}}, the toll rate for passenger cars is $7. During peak traffic hours, [[carpool]] vehicles carrying three or more people, clean air vehicles, or motorcycles may pay a discounted toll of $3.50 if they have FasTrak and use the designated carpool lane. Drivers must pay within 48 hours after crossing the bridge or they will be sent a toll violation invoice. No additional fees will be added to the toll violation if it is paid within 21 days.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Benicia–Martinez Bridge|url=https://www.bayareafastrak.org/en/tolls/benicia-martinez-bridge.shtml|website=www.bayareafastrak.org|publisher=CalTrans|access-date=July 10, 2022}}</ref> |
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The toll plaza has nine lanes with toll booths and another nine lanes with [[open road tolling]] (ORT) in two zones. One ORT zone has two travel lanes and four shoulder lanes. The other ORT zone has one carpool travel lane with two shoulder lanes. This bridge is the first open road tolling facility in Northern California and the first bridge with open road tolling in California. |
The toll plaza has nine lanes with toll booths and another nine lanes with [[open road tolling]] (ORT) in two zones. One ORT zone has two travel lanes and four shoulder lanes. The other ORT zone has one carpool travel lane with two shoulder lanes. This bridge is the first open road tolling facility in Northern California and the first bridge with open road tolling in California. |
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===Historical toll rates=== |
===Historical toll rates=== |
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When the Benicia–Martinez Bridge opened in 1962, tolls were $0.25 per car. It was set to $0.35 in 1970, then increased to $0.40 in 1976.<ref>{{ |
When the Benicia–Martinez Bridge opened in 1962, tolls were $0.25 per car. It was set to $0.35 in 1970, then increased to $0.40 in 1976.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist4/documents/tollfees.pdf|title=History of California's Bridge Tolls | publisher=[[California Department of Transportation|Caltrans]]|access-date=June 3, 2018}}</ref> |
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The basic toll (for automobiles) on the seven state-owned bridges, including the Benicia–Martinez Bridge, was raised to $1 by Regional Measure 1, approved by Bay Area voters in 1988.<ref>[http://bata.mtc.ca.gov/projects/rm1.htm Regional Measure 1 Toll Bridge Program]. ''bata.mtc.ca.gov''; [[Bay Area Toll Authority]]. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101104094253/http://bata.mtc.ca.gov/projects/rm1.htm |date=November 4, 2010 }}</ref> A $1 seismic retrofit surcharge was added in 1998 by the state legislature, originally for eight years, but since then extended to December 2037 (AB1171, October 2001).<ref name='AB1171'>{{ |
The basic toll (for automobiles) on the seven state-owned bridges, including the Benicia–Martinez Bridge, was raised to $1 by Regional Measure 1, approved by Bay Area voters in 1988.<ref>[http://bata.mtc.ca.gov/projects/rm1.htm Regional Measure 1 Toll Bridge Program]. ''bata.mtc.ca.gov''; [[Bay Area Toll Authority]]. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101104094253/http://bata.mtc.ca.gov/projects/rm1.htm |date=November 4, 2010 }}</ref> A $1 seismic retrofit surcharge was added in 1998 by the state legislature, originally for eight years, but since then extended to December 2037 (AB1171, October 2001).<ref name='AB1171'>{{Cite news|first=John|last=Dutra|title=AB 1171 Assembly Bill – Chaptered |date=October 14, 2001|publisher=[[California State Assembly]]|url=http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/01-02/bill/asm/ab_1151-1200/ab_1171_bill_20011014_chaptered.html|access-date=August 7, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315184435/http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/01-02/bill/asm/ab_1151-1200/ab_1171_bill_20011014_chaptered.html|archive-date=March 15, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 2, 2004, voters approved Regional Measure 2, raising the toll by another dollar to a total of $3. An additional dollar was added to the toll starting January 1, 2007, to cover cost overruns concerning the replacement of the eastern span. |
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The [[Metropolitan Transportation Commission (San Francisco Bay Area)|Metropolitan Transportation Commission]], a regional transportation agency, in its capacity as the [[Bay Area Toll Authority]], administers RM1 and RM2 funds, a significant portion of which are allocated to public transit capital improvements and operating subsidies in the transportation corridors served by the bridges. Caltrans administers the "second dollar" seismic surcharge, and receives some of the MTC-administered funds to perform other maintenance work on the bridges. The Bay Area Toll Authority is made up of appointed officials put in place by various city and county governments, and is not subject to direct voter oversight.<ref>{{ |
The [[Metropolitan Transportation Commission (San Francisco Bay Area)|Metropolitan Transportation Commission]], a regional transportation agency, in its capacity as the [[Bay Area Toll Authority]], administers RM1 and RM2 funds, a significant portion of which are allocated to public transit capital improvements and operating subsidies in the transportation corridors served by the bridges. Caltrans administers the "second dollar" seismic surcharge, and receives some of the MTC-administered funds to perform other maintenance work on the bridges. The Bay Area Toll Authority is made up of appointed officials put in place by various city and county governments, and is not subject to direct voter oversight.<ref>{{Cite web|title=About MTC |publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Commission|date=October 15, 2009|url=http://www.mtc.ca.gov/about_mtc/about.htm|access-date=October 15, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101103124604/http://www.mtc.ca.gov/about_mtc/about.htm|archive-date=November 3, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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Due to further funding shortages for seismic retrofit projects, the Bay Area Toll Authority again raised tolls on all seven of the state-owned bridges in July 2010. The toll rate for autos on the Benicia–Martinez Bridge was thus increased to $5.<ref>{{ |
Due to further funding shortages for seismic retrofit projects, the Bay Area Toll Authority again raised tolls on all seven of the state-owned bridges in July 2010. The toll rate for autos on the Benicia–Martinez Bridge was thus increased to $5.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Frequently Asked Toll Questions|publisher=Bay Area Toll Authority|date=June 1, 2010|url=http://www.mtc.ca.gov/tolls/faq.htm#2|access-date=June 29, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101122040153/http://www.mtc.ca.gov/tolls/faq.htm#2|archive-date=November 22, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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In June 2018, Bay Area voters approved Regional Measure 3 to further raise the tolls on all seven of the state-owned bridges to fund $4.5 billion worth of transportation improvements in the area.<ref>{{ |
In June 2018, Bay Area voters approved Regional Measure 3 to further raise the tolls on all seven of the state-owned bridges to fund $4.5 billion worth of transportation improvements in the area.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/3-hike-to-Bay-Area-tolls-appears-to-have-support-12972027.php|title=Regional Measure 3: Work on transportation improvements could start next year|first=Michael|last=Cabanatuan|publisher=SFGate.com|date=June 6, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ktvu.com/news/bay-area-bridge-tolls-to-increase-one-dollar-in-january-except-golden-gate|title=Bay Area bridge tolls to increase one dollar in January, except Golden Gate|first=Christien|last=Kafton|publisher=KTVU|date=November 28, 2018}}</ref> Under the passed measure, the toll rate for autos on the Benicia–Martinez Bridge will be increased to $6 on January 1, 2019; to $7 on January 1, 2022; and then to $8 on January 1, 2025.<ref>{{Cite press release|url=https://mtc.ca.gov/whats-happening/news/tolls-seven-bay-area-bridges-set-rise-next-month|title=Tolls on Seven Bay Area Bridges Set to Rise Next Month|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Commission|date=December 11, 2018|access-date=December 16, 2018}}</ref> |
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In September 2019, the MTC approved a $4 million plan to eliminate toll takers and convert all seven of the state-owned bridges to [[all-electronic tolling]], citing that 80 percent of drivers are now using |
In September 2019, the MTC approved a $4 million plan to eliminate toll takers and convert all seven of the state-owned bridges to [[Open road tolling|all-electronic tolling]], citing that 80 percent of drivers are now using FasTrak and the change would improve traffic flow.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.sacbee.com/news/california/article234765937.html|title=Do you drive to the Bay Area? A big change is coming to toll booths at the bridges|first=Darrell|last=Smith|newspaper=The Sacramento Bee|date=September 7, 2019|access-date=April 12, 2020}}</ref> On March 20, 2020, accelerated by the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], all-electronic tolling was placed in effect for all seven state-owned toll bridges.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mtc.ca.gov/whats-happening/news/cash-toll-collection-suspended-bay-area-bridges|title=Cash Toll Collection Suspended at Bay Area Bridges|date=March 20, 2020|website=Metropolitan Transportation Commission|language=en|access-date=March 20, 2020}}</ref> The MTC then installed new systems at all seven bridges to make them permanently cashless by the start of 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mtc.ca.gov/news/new-year-brings-new-toll-collection-system-bay-area-bridges|title=New Year Brings New Toll Collection System to Bay Area Bridges|date=December 28, 2020|website=Metropolitan Transportation Commission|language=en|access-date=December 28, 2020}}</ref> In April 2022, the Bay Area Toll Authority announced plans to remove all remaining unused toll booths and create an open-road tolling system which functions at highway speeds.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Cabanatuan|first1=Michael|title=Bay Area toll collectors are gone, so what happens to the tollbooths? Here's the $77 million answer|url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Bay-Area-toll-collectors-vanished-when-COVID-hit-17068234.php|publisher=San Francisco Chronicle|access-date=12 April 2022|date=10 April 2022}}</ref> |
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==Railroad bridge== |
==Railroad bridge== |
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{{Infobox bridge |
{{Infobox bridge |
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| name = Benicia–Martinez |
| name = Benicia–Martinez Railroad Drawbridge |
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| image = California Zephyr crossing the Benicia-Martinez Railroad Drawbridge (1), May 2019.JPG |
| image = California Zephyr crossing the Benicia-Martinez Railroad Drawbridge (1), May 2019.JPG |
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| image_upright = |
| image_upright = |
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| alt = |
| alt = |
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| caption = The Amtrak ''[[California Zephyr]]'' crosses the UPRR |
| caption = The Amtrak ''[[California Zephyr]]'' crosses the UPRR Benicia–Martinez drawbridge |
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| coordinates = {{coord|38.0406|N|122.1230|W|region:US_type:landmark|display=inline|format=dms}} |
| coordinates = {{coord|38.0406|N|122.1230|W|region:US_type:landmark|display=inline|format=dms}} |
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| os_grid_reference = |
| os_grid_reference = |
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| other_name = |
| other_name = |
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| named_for = |
| named_for = |
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| owner = [[Union Pacific]] |
| owner = [[Union Pacific Railroad]] |
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| maint = |
| maint = |
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| heritage = |
| heritage = |
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| material1 = |
| material1 = |
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| material2 = |
| material2 = |
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| length = {{Cvt|5,603|ft|6|in}}<ref name="ENR19300130">{{Cite journal|issn=0891-9526|work=[[Engineering News-Record]]|title=Pier construction for the S.P. Railroad Bridge across Suisun Bay|url=https://historicbridges.org/california/martinezrr/benicia.pdf#page=1|publication-date=January 30, 1930|department=Cover story|pages=174–180|first=C. R.|last=Harding}}</ref> |
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| length = |
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| width = |
| width = |
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| height = |
| height = |
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| load = |
| load = |
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| clearance_above = |
| clearance_above = |
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| clearance_below = {{ |
| clearance_below = {{Convert|135|ft}} (open)<br />{{Convert|70|ft}} (closed) |
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| life = |
| life = |
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| num_track = 2 |
| num_track = 2 |
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| track_gauge = {{ |
| track_gauge = {{Railgauge|4ft8.5in|allk=on}} |
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| structure_gauge = |
| structure_gauge = |
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| electrification = |
| electrification = |
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| architect = |
| architect = |
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| designer = S. A. Roake<ref name="ENR19310604">{{Cite journal|issn=0891-9526|work=[[Engineering News-Record]]|title=Design and erection of the Martinez-Benicia bridge superstructure|url=https://historicbridges.org/california/martinezrr/benicia.pdf#page=9|publication-date=June 4, 1931|department=Cover story|pages=918–922|first=S. A.|last=Roake}}</ref> |
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| designer = |
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| contracted_designer = |
| contracted_designer = |
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| winner = |
| winner = |
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| engineering = |
| engineering = |
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| builder = [[Southern Pacific Railroad]] |
| builder = [[Southern Pacific Transportation Company|Southern Pacific Railroad]] |
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| fabricator = |
| fabricator = |
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| begin = 1928 |
| begin = 1928 |
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| complete = |
| complete = |
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| cost = |
| cost = US$12,000,000<ref name="ENR19300130"/> |
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| open = 1930 |
| open = 1930 |
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| inaugurated = |
| inaugurated = |
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| extra = <!-- extra = module = embed = --> |
| extra = <!-- extra = module = embed = --> |
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}} |
}} |
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[[Union Pacific Railroad]]'s |
[[Union Pacific Railroad]]'s Benicia–Martinez drawbridge is between the two vehicle bridges. The railroad bridge was built between 1928 and 1930 for [[Southern Pacific Transportation Company|Southern Pacific Railroad]] to replace its train ferry between Benicia and [[Port Costa, California]]. It is the second-longest railway bridge in North America, and the longest railway bridge west of the Mississippi River. Before the bridge was completed, ferries were used to allow the railway to cross Suisun Bay. The original ferry, built at [[Oakland, California]] in 1879 and named the ''[[Solano (ferry)|Solano]]'', was the world's largest train ferry. In 1914 the larger ''Contra Costa'' was built. In 1926 the ferries carried 93,000 passenger cars and 142,000 freight cars across the Strait.<ref>''Railway Age'' 9 March 1929 p576</ref> |
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Train ferry service ended with the opening of the railroad bridge on October 15, 1930.<ref>[https://www.beniciamagazine.com/backwards-glance-historic-train-bridge-turns-85/ "Historic Train Bridge Turns 85", ''Benicia Magazine'']</ref> |
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⚫ | |||
⚫ | [[BNSF Railway|Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway]] and [[Amtrak]] also run here on [[Arrangements between railroads#Trackage rights|trackage rights]]. The drawbridge has the smallest clearances of the three bridges — [[Vertical-lift bridge|lift span]] horizontal clearance is 291 feet and vertical clearances are 70 feet (closed) and 135 feet (open). |
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==Northbound span== |
==Northbound span== |
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The new toll plaza was retrofitted for open road tolling to encourage FasTrak use. This required the removal of eight toll booths. |
The new toll plaza was retrofitted for open road tolling to encourage FasTrak use. This required the removal of eight toll booths. |
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The bridge is the largest lightweight concrete segmental bridge in [[California]]. The estimated cost was $1.05 billion, the final cost was $1.3 billion. The original estimated cost was around $300 million, it is noted for its large delay in construction and large over cost (over $1 billion). The project's cost overshadowed [[Cypress Street Viaduct|the replacement of the Cypress Freeway portion]] of [[Interstate 880 (California)|Interstate 880]]. |
The bridge is the largest lightweight concrete segmental bridge in [[California]]. The estimated cost was $1.05 billion, the final cost was $1.3 billion. The original estimated cost was around $300 million, it is noted for its large delay in construction and large over cost (over $1 billion). The project's cost overshadowed [[Cypress Street Viaduct|the replacement of the Cypress Freeway portion]] of [[Interstate 880 (California)|Interstate 880]]. The new bridge opened at 10:30pm on August 25, 2007.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.timesheraldonline.com/ci_6719312|title=The Benicia Bridge|publisher=[[Vallejo Times Herald]]|date=2007-08-25|access-date=2007-08-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205193603/http://www.timesheraldonline.com/ci_6719312|archive-date=2012-02-05|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_6719613|title=First cars drive over new Benicia Bridge|work=[[San Jose Mercury News]]|date=2007-08-25|access-date=2007-09-03}}</ref> |
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==Vista point== |
==Vista point== |
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A [[vista point]] is located on the north side of the span, providing an excellent view of the 3 parallel bridges passing over the [[Carquinez Strait]] with [[Mount Diablo]] in the background. It has ample parking, picnic tables and a large compass to provide orientation. This is typically the point where cyclists and pedestrians wishing to cross the bridge park their cars.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.solanoopenspace.org/OtherOutdoor_BeniciaBridgeVista.asp|title |
A [[vista point]] is located on the north side of the span, providing an excellent view of the 3 parallel bridges passing over the [[Carquinez Strait]] with [[Mount Diablo]] in the background. It has ample parking, picnic tables and a large compass to provide orientation. This is typically the point where cyclists and pedestrians wishing to cross the bridge park their cars.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.solanoopenspace.org/OtherOutdoor_BeniciaBridgeVista.asp|title=Benicia-Martinez Bridge Vista Point}}</ref> |
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[[File:Aerial view of Vista Point, Benicia–Martinez Bridge & Mt Diablo.JPG|thumb|center|600px|Aerial drone view of Vista Point and Benicia–Martinez Bridge, with [[Mount Diablo]] in the distance]] |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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*[[California Pacific Railroad]] |
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* |
*[[Carquinez Bridge]] |
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*{{Portal-inline|Transport}} |
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*{{Portal-inline|Engineering}} |
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*{{Portal-inline|California}} |
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*{{Portal-inline|San Francisco Bay Area}} |
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==References== |
==References== |
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[[Category:San Francisco Bay Trail]] |
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[[Category:Vertical lift bridges in California]] |
Latest revision as of 09:32, 16 November 2024
Benicia–Martinez Bridge | |
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Coordinates | 38°02′26″N 122°07′23″W / 38.0406°N 122.1230°W |
Carries | |
Crosses | Carquinez Strait |
Locale | Martinez and Benicia, California, U.S. |
Official name | George Miller Jr., Memorial Bridge[2] (southbound span), Congressman George Miller Benicia–Martinez Bridge[2] (northbound span) |
Owner | State of California |
Maintained by | California Department of Transportation and the Bay Area Toll Authority |
ID number | 28 0153L (1962 span) 28 0153R (2007 span) |
Website | www |
Characteristics | |
Design | Truss bridge (southbound span), segmental bridge (northbound span) |
Total length | 1.7 miles (2.72 km, 8,976 feet) |
Longest span | 528 feet (0.1 mi) |
No. of spans | 7 (southbound) |
Clearance below | 138 feet (42.1 m) |
History | |
Construction cost | US$25 million (southbound) US$1.3 billion (northbound) |
Opened | 1962 (southbound) 2007 (northbound) |
Statistics | |
Toll |
|
Location | |
The Benicia–Martinez Bridge refers to three parallel bridges which cross the Carquinez Strait just west of Suisun Bay in California; the spans link Benicia on the north side with Martinez on the south.
The original 1.2-mile (1.9 km) deck truss bridge opened in 1962 to replace the last automotive ferry service in the San Francisco Bay Area. The 1962 bridge has seven 528-foot (161 m) spans and 138 feet (42 m) of vertical clearance, now carrying four lanes of southbound traffic, as well as a path for pedestrians and bicyclists.[1] It was named the George Miller Jr., Memorial Bridge in 1975 after California state legislator George Miller Jr.[2] A 1.7-mile (2.7 km) bridge was built alongside and opened on August 25, 2007 with five lanes of northbound traffic. In 2007, it was named the Congressman George Miller Benicia–Martinez Bridge after U.S. Congressman George Miller III, Miller Jr.'s son.[2] The cost of the 1962 span was US$25 million and US$1.3 billion for the 2007 span.[3] (Adjusted for inflation, equivalent to $252 million and $1.91 billion respectively.) The bridge is part of Interstate 680, a major transportation link connecting other heavily traveled freeways.
Between the two vehicle bridges is a Union Pacific Railroad bridge, the first bridge at this location, built between April 1929 and October 1930 by Southern Pacific. It is used by Union Pacific and BNSF (trackage rights) freight trains and 36 scheduled Amtrak passenger trains each weekday. Passenger trains include the long-distance trains California Zephyr and Coast Starlight and commuter-oriented Capitol Corridor services.
Tolling
[edit]Tolls are only collected from northbound traffic at the toll plaza on the south side of the bridge. All-electronic tolling has been in effect since 2020, and drivers may either pay using the FasTrak electronic toll collection device, using the license plate tolling program, or via a one time payment online. Effective January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2024 , the toll rate for passenger cars is $7. During peak traffic hours, carpool vehicles carrying three or more people, clean air vehicles, or motorcycles may pay a discounted toll of $3.50 if they have FasTrak and use the designated carpool lane. Drivers must pay within 48 hours after crossing the bridge or they will be sent a toll violation invoice. No additional fees will be added to the toll violation if it is paid within 21 days.[4]
The toll plaza has nine lanes with toll booths and another nine lanes with open road tolling (ORT) in two zones. One ORT zone has two travel lanes and four shoulder lanes. The other ORT zone has one carpool travel lane with two shoulder lanes. This bridge is the first open road tolling facility in Northern California and the first bridge with open road tolling in California.
Historical toll rates
[edit]When the Benicia–Martinez Bridge opened in 1962, tolls were $0.25 per car. It was set to $0.35 in 1970, then increased to $0.40 in 1976.[5]
The basic toll (for automobiles) on the seven state-owned bridges, including the Benicia–Martinez Bridge, was raised to $1 by Regional Measure 1, approved by Bay Area voters in 1988.[6] A $1 seismic retrofit surcharge was added in 1998 by the state legislature, originally for eight years, but since then extended to December 2037 (AB1171, October 2001).[7] On March 2, 2004, voters approved Regional Measure 2, raising the toll by another dollar to a total of $3. An additional dollar was added to the toll starting January 1, 2007, to cover cost overruns concerning the replacement of the eastern span.
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission, a regional transportation agency, in its capacity as the Bay Area Toll Authority, administers RM1 and RM2 funds, a significant portion of which are allocated to public transit capital improvements and operating subsidies in the transportation corridors served by the bridges. Caltrans administers the "second dollar" seismic surcharge, and receives some of the MTC-administered funds to perform other maintenance work on the bridges. The Bay Area Toll Authority is made up of appointed officials put in place by various city and county governments, and is not subject to direct voter oversight.[8]
Due to further funding shortages for seismic retrofit projects, the Bay Area Toll Authority again raised tolls on all seven of the state-owned bridges in July 2010. The toll rate for autos on the Benicia–Martinez Bridge was thus increased to $5.[9]
In June 2018, Bay Area voters approved Regional Measure 3 to further raise the tolls on all seven of the state-owned bridges to fund $4.5 billion worth of transportation improvements in the area.[10][11] Under the passed measure, the toll rate for autos on the Benicia–Martinez Bridge will be increased to $6 on January 1, 2019; to $7 on January 1, 2022; and then to $8 on January 1, 2025.[12]
In September 2019, the MTC approved a $4 million plan to eliminate toll takers and convert all seven of the state-owned bridges to all-electronic tolling, citing that 80 percent of drivers are now using FasTrak and the change would improve traffic flow.[13] On March 20, 2020, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, all-electronic tolling was placed in effect for all seven state-owned toll bridges.[14] The MTC then installed new systems at all seven bridges to make them permanently cashless by the start of 2021.[15] In April 2022, the Bay Area Toll Authority announced plans to remove all remaining unused toll booths and create an open-road tolling system which functions at highway speeds.[16]
Railroad bridge
[edit]Benicia–Martinez Railroad Drawbridge | |
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Coordinates | 38°02′26″N 122°07′23″W / 38.0406°N 122.1230°W |
Carries | Martinez Subdivision |
Crosses | Carquinez Strait |
Locale | Martinez and Benicia, California, U.S. |
Owner | Union Pacific Railroad |
Characteristics | |
Design | Vertical-lift bridge |
Total length | 5,603 ft 6 in (1,707.95 m)[17] |
Clearance below | 135 feet (41 m) (open) 70 feet (21 m) (closed) |
Rail characteristics | |
No. of tracks | 2 |
Track gauge | 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge |
History | |
Designer | S. A. Roake[18] |
Constructed by | Southern Pacific Railroad |
Construction start | 1928 |
Construction cost | US$12,000,000[17] |
Opened | 1930 |
Statistics | |
Daily traffic | 36 Amtrak trains (weekdays) |
Location | |
Union Pacific Railroad's Benicia–Martinez drawbridge is between the two vehicle bridges. The railroad bridge was built between 1928 and 1930 for Southern Pacific Railroad to replace its train ferry between Benicia and Port Costa, California. It is the second-longest railway bridge in North America, and the longest railway bridge west of the Mississippi River. Before the bridge was completed, ferries were used to allow the railway to cross Suisun Bay. The original ferry, built at Oakland, California in 1879 and named the Solano, was the world's largest train ferry. In 1914 the larger Contra Costa was built. In 1926 the ferries carried 93,000 passenger cars and 142,000 freight cars across the Strait.[19]
Train ferry service ended with the opening of the railroad bridge on October 15, 1930.[20]
Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway and Amtrak also run here on trackage rights. The drawbridge has the smallest clearances of the three bridges — lift span horizontal clearance is 291 feet and vertical clearances are 70 feet (closed) and 135 feet (open).
Northbound span
[edit]In late 2001, construction began on a newer bridge east of and parallel to the railroad bridge. It measures about 1.7 miles (2.7 km). The new bridge carries five lanes of northbound traffic. The older bridge underwent seismic retrofits and was converted from carrying three lanes in each direction to carrying four lanes of southbound traffic and a bicycle/pedestrian lane, part of the San Francisco Bay Trail. The bridge construction included a new toll plaza with nine toll booths, two open road tolling lanes and one carpool lane at the south end of the bridge, although tolls continue to be charged only for northbound traffic. The old toll plaza at the north end of the bridge was removed.
The new toll plaza was retrofitted for open road tolling to encourage FasTrak use. This required the removal of eight toll booths.
The bridge is the largest lightweight concrete segmental bridge in California. The estimated cost was $1.05 billion, the final cost was $1.3 billion. The original estimated cost was around $300 million, it is noted for its large delay in construction and large over cost (over $1 billion). The project's cost overshadowed the replacement of the Cypress Freeway portion of Interstate 880. The new bridge opened at 10:30pm on August 25, 2007.[21][22]
Vista point
[edit]A vista point is located on the north side of the span, providing an excellent view of the 3 parallel bridges passing over the Carquinez Strait with Mount Diablo in the background. It has ample parking, picnic tables and a large compass to provide orientation. This is typically the point where cyclists and pedestrians wishing to cross the bridge park their cars.[23]
See also
[edit]- California Pacific Railroad
- Carquinez Bridge
- Transport portal
- Engineering portal
- California portal
- San Francisco Bay Area portal
References
[edit]- ^ a b "New Lanes to Open on Southbound Benicia-Martinez Bridge" (PDF) (Press release). Caltrans. 2009-07-29. Retrieved 2009-08-18.
- ^ a b c d "Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 62". California State Legislature. 2007-07-05. Retrieved 2009-08-18.
- ^ "Bay Area's newest bridge is open for business". 2007-08-26. Archived from the original on 2007-09-27. Retrieved 2007-08-27.
- ^ "Benicia–Martinez Bridge". www.bayareafastrak.org. CalTrans. Retrieved July 10, 2022.
- ^ "History of California's Bridge Tolls" (PDF). Caltrans. Retrieved June 3, 2018.
- ^ Regional Measure 1 Toll Bridge Program. bata.mtc.ca.gov; Bay Area Toll Authority. Archived November 4, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Dutra, John (October 14, 2001). "AB 1171 Assembly Bill – Chaptered". California State Assembly. Archived from the original on March 15, 2012. Retrieved August 7, 2008.
- ^ "About MTC". Metropolitan Transportation Commission. October 15, 2009. Archived from the original on November 3, 2010. Retrieved October 15, 2009.
- ^ "Frequently Asked Toll Questions". Bay Area Toll Authority. June 1, 2010. Archived from the original on November 22, 2010. Retrieved June 29, 2010.
- ^ Cabanatuan, Michael (June 6, 2018). "Regional Measure 3: Work on transportation improvements could start next year". SFGate.com.
- ^ Kafton, Christien (November 28, 2018). "Bay Area bridge tolls to increase one dollar in January, except Golden Gate". KTVU.
- ^ "Tolls on Seven Bay Area Bridges Set to Rise Next Month" (Press release). Metropolitan Transportation Commission. December 11, 2018. Retrieved December 16, 2018.
- ^ Smith, Darrell (September 7, 2019). "Do you drive to the Bay Area? A big change is coming to toll booths at the bridges". The Sacramento Bee. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
- ^ "Cash Toll Collection Suspended at Bay Area Bridges". Metropolitan Transportation Commission. March 20, 2020. Retrieved March 20, 2020.
- ^ "New Year Brings New Toll Collection System to Bay Area Bridges". Metropolitan Transportation Commission. December 28, 2020. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
- ^ Cabanatuan, Michael (10 April 2022). "Bay Area toll collectors are gone, so what happens to the tollbooths? Here's the $77 million answer". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 12 April 2022.
- ^ a b Harding, C. R. (January 30, 1930). "Pier construction for the S.P. Railroad Bridge across Suisun Bay" (PDF). Cover story. Engineering News-Record: 174–180. ISSN 0891-9526.
- ^ Roake, S. A. (June 4, 1931). "Design and erection of the Martinez-Benicia bridge superstructure" (PDF). Cover story. Engineering News-Record: 918–922. ISSN 0891-9526.
- ^ Railway Age 9 March 1929 p576
- ^ "Historic Train Bridge Turns 85", Benicia Magazine
- ^ "The Benicia Bridge". Vallejo Times Herald. 2007-08-25. Archived from the original on 2012-02-05. Retrieved 2007-08-25.
- ^ "First cars drive over new Benicia Bridge". San Jose Mercury News. 2007-08-25. Retrieved 2007-09-03.
- ^ "Benicia-Martinez Bridge Vista Point".
External links
[edit]- Bay Area FasTrak – includes toll information on this and the other Bay Area toll facilities
- California Dept. of Transportation: Benicia–Martinez Bridge History & Information
- Caltrans' New Benicia–Martinez Bridge project page
- Earth Mechanics Inc. Benicia bridge project page - geotechnical engineer for the new bridge
- Benicia–Martinez Bridge may cost millions more - Contra Costa Times article about technical difficulties
- Benicia–Martinez Bridge (1962) at Structurae
- Benicia Martinez Bridge (2007) at Structurae
- Bridges in the San Francisco Bay Area
- Carquinez Strait
- Bridges in Contra Costa County, California
- Bridges in Solano County, California
- Road bridges in California
- Bridges on the Interstate Highway System
- Interstate 80
- Railroad bridges in California
- Benicia, California
- Martinez, California
- San Francisco Bay
- Steel bridges in the United States
- Toll bridges in California
- Tolled sections of Interstate Highways
- Truss bridges in the United States
- Bridges completed in 1930
- Bridges completed in 1962
- Bridges completed in 2007
- San Francisco Bay Trail
- Union Pacific Railroad bridges
- Vertical lift bridges in California