Published: September 14, 2009
Torlakson Measure to Modernize and Strengthen Antioch and Dumbarton Bridges
Sent to the Governor’s Desk
A two-year evaluation conducted by Bay Area Toll Authority and Caltrans shows
both bridges need significant strengthening to protect public safety
SACRAMENTO, CA— Legislation authored by Assemblymember Tom Torlakson (D-Antioch), AB 1175 passed out of the Assembly last week on a vote of 58 to 0. The bill would add the Antioch and Dumbarton bridges to the State Toll Bridge Seismic Retrofit Program, making them eligible to receive any unused contingency funds after completion of the eastern span of the Oakland-San Francisco Bay Bridge.
“Over 75,000 vehicles cross the Antioch and Dumbarton bridges each day,” said Tom Torlakson. “Families rely on the safety of these bridges daily. We must prepare for the worst by strengthening them using the most updated and modern technology available to us.”
The Antioch Bridge, built in 1978 and the Dumbarton Bridge, built in 1982 were not included in the State Toll Bridge Seismic Retrofit Program because they were relatively new when the program was created. While they were designed to meet strengthened engineering criteria put in place after the 1971 San Fernando earthquake, they weren’t they weren’t included in the initial retrofit evaluations after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake.
Seismic safety standards are much higher now than when the two bridges were evaluated. A two-year study conducted by BATA and Caltrans show both bridges need significant strengthening to protect public safety.
AB 1175 would add the Dumbarton and Antioch bridges to the State Toll Bridge Seismic Retrofit Program, making them eligible to receive any unused contingency funds after completion of the eastern span of the Oakland-San Francisco Bay Bridge and ensuring their safety for years to come.
“These bridges are essential to the keep the state’s economy moving,” said Torlakson. “They not only connect the Bay Area, but the entire state.”
The bill will go the Governor’s desk for his consideration.
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