Bay Bridge Closure Alert: 511 Features Transportation Options, Detours

OAKLAND, Calif., Feb. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Bay Area's award-winning 511 traveler information service is the one-stop source for transportation alternatives and detours during the Bay Bridge closure this Presidents Day Weekend, February 17 - 21. Travelers can easily plan ahead by visiting 511.org or calling 511 from any phone in the Bay Area. Special Bay Bridge closure information is available at www.511.org/baybridge/PresDay2012.

Due to scheduled seismic retrofitting, the westbound deck of the Bay Bridge from Oakland to San Francisco will close Friday, February 17, at 8:00 p.m. and reopen Tuesday, February 21, at 5:00 a.m. The eastbound lower deck from San Francisco toward the East Bay will remain open.

Travelers are encouraged to plan ahead and take public transit, such as BART or ferries, to reach San Francisco. The 511 website features updates about bridge closure status and special information on transit options during the closure; a detailed map of detours using the Golden Gate, Richmond-San Rafael, San Mateo-Hayward and Dumbarton bridges; and information about current traffic conditions and areas to avoid due to anticipated traffic congestion.

"511 is the best local source for comprehensive transportation information, especially during incidents and closures, like the upcoming Bay Bridge closure," said Adrienne Tissier, chair of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC). "511 offers information via the web, phone, mobile devices, text and social media, ensuring that people can obtain timely information whenever and wherever they need it."

511.org features the popular 511 Transit Trip Planner, an online tool to help commuters plan transit trips anywhere in the nine-county region. On-the-go transit trip planning and current traffic conditions are available for people using smartphones at m.511.org. Motorists can also find current traffic conditions and driving times using 511's interactive Traffic and Driving Times Map, the new 511 Traffic (Beta), or by calling 511 and saying either "traffic conditions" or "driving times" from the main menu. As always, the 511 Traffic page provides the latest-breaking traffic news and emergency information affecting drivers. When urgent news breaks or emergencies occur, a ticker at the top of the page informs motorists about major traffic impacts and commuting alternatives. 511 Traffic updates are also available on twitter.com/511SFBay.

About 511

511 is a one-stop phone and web source for up-to-the-minute Bay Area traffic, transit, rideshare and bicycling information. It's free of charge and available 24 hours a day, seven 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, and the California Department of Transportation.

SOURCE 511