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Drivers Encouraged to Use 511 During San Mateo-Hayward Bridge Closures in October


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OAKLAND, CA--October 17, 2012: Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead by using 511 tools and services during the closure of the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge this upcoming weekend and the next. As the Bay Area's premier traveler information service, 511 offers real-time and predicted traffic information, transit trip planning tools and real-time transit departures, parking information plus rideshare and bicycling resources.

All lanes in both directions of the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge are scheduled to be closed starting Friday, October 19 at 10:00 p.m. until Monday, October 22 at 5:00 a.m., and again the following weekend on Friday, October 26 at 10:00 p.m. until Monday, October 29 at 5:00 a.m., to complete a rehabilitation and replacement project. The bridge will be open Monday through Friday both weeks for the weekday commute.

During the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge closure, 511 is featuring a special page with updates about the bridge closure status, a detailed map of detours, and information on transit service available during the closure. Travelers can access the page by visiting San Mateo Bridge.

While the bridge is closed, commuters are advised to telecommute, carpool, take recommended detours, or use public transit where possible. Detour routes include the Dumbarton Bridge, Highway 237 through the San Jose area and the Bay Bridge. For real-time conditions on these routes, call 511 and say "driving times." Drivers should allow extra time for travel due to the closure as well as sporting and other events taking place on those two weekends.

Commuters also can find current traffic conditions and driving times using 511's interactive Traffic and Driving Times Map or by calling 511 and saying either "traffic conditions" or "driving times" from the main phone menu.

The 511 Transit Trip Planner is available at 511.org, or for those using smartphones at m.511.org. For information on how to download the new 511 SF Bay-Transit app for iPhone and Android visit 511's Mobile and Apps page.

About 511

511 is a one-stop phone and web source for up-to-the-minute Bay Area traffic, transit, rideshare, bicycling, and parking information. It’s free of charge and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from anywhere in the nine-county Bay Area. Call 511 or visit 511.org. 511 is managed by a partnership of public agencies led by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the California Highway Patrol, Public Transit Agencies, and the California Department of Transportation.