Skip to Content
Streetsblog California home
Streetsblog California home
Log In
A blimp, a bridge, and waiting barges. Image: screengrab from Caltrans' live webcast of Bay Bridge takedown
A blimp, a bridge, and waiting barges. Image: screengrab from Caltrans' live webcast of Bay Bridge takedown
A blimp, a bridge, and waiting barges. Image: screengrab from Caltrans' live webcast of Bay Bridge takedown

Caltrans was involved in two very different bridge demolitions last week, and has posted timelapse footage of both of them.

In the first, L.A.'s iconic 6th Street bridge is crunched by big machines while water hoses tamp down the dust, with downtown L.A. glimmering in the background. The footage compresses two days' work into three minutes, lending the process a jangly, frenetic pace.

In contrast, timelapse of the Oakland Bay Bridge deconstruction is almost meditative. The circa-1936 bridge, already replaced by a new one, has been slowly taken apart over several years. Last week Caltrans removed the first of its trussed segments, lowering it onto two barges over the course of about fourteen hours. Caltrans' timelapse compresses the work into almost two minutes, turning boats into swirling insects and animating the waters of San Francisco Bay.

The 2,500-ton steel bridge segments are being floated to shore for dismantling and recycling, with some of the material going to artists who applied for it through the Oakland Museum.

Rumor has it there may be a chance to grab a souvenir of the 6th Street bridge.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog California

Thursday’s Headlines

Driving is increasing; School drop-off traffic is a huge problem; Driverless vehicles need an army of engineers; Speed warning bill COULD be a breakthrough, if the governor signs it; More

September 19, 2024

Sacramento City Council May Declare Emergency Over Traffic Safety

The city faces high and rising injury rates on its roads. The proposal to declare an emergency is appropriate, say advocates, but it needs to be much stronger.

September 18, 2024

SPUR Talk: Prop 4, the Climate Bond

A panel of experts breaks down an important bond on the November ballot

September 18, 2024

Don’t Get Doored – Rosemead Blvd Bike Lanes Need Your Input

Caltrans is taking input on its repaving and possible reconfiguration of Rosemead Boulevard in South El Monte, via a survey and a public workshop.

September 18, 2024

Another Reason We Have a Housing Crisis? Highways!

In urban neighborhoods — especially Black ones — land once set aside for homes was decimated for car drivers.

September 18, 2024
See all posts