Francisco, CA — All eastbound lanes of the Bay Bridge have been fully reopened following a temporary shutdown on Wednesday afternoon due to police activity in the vicinity of Treasure Island, according to officials. The closure, which lasted several hours, caused significant traffic congestion throughout the Bay Area as commuters were rerouted or forced to wait for clearance. Although normal operations have resumed, authorities are advising motorists to remain cautious and expect residual traffic delays during the evening commute.
The incident began early Wednesday afternoon when law enforcement responded to an unspecified situation near the Treasure Island off-ramp, located mid-span on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. While the nature of the police activity has not been publicly detailed, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and San Francisco Police Department confirmed that the eastbound lanes were shut down as a precaution while officers investigated.
Video footage from traffic cameras and eyewitness accounts posted to social media showed a large police presence near the island, with patrol cars blocking lanes and officers redirecting traffic. The bridge, a critical connector between San Francisco and the East Bay, quickly became gridlocked, with delays stretching for miles. Many drivers reported being stuck on the bridge for extended periods without updates, leading to widespread frustration and confusion during one of the busiest travel periods of the day.
By late afternoon, officials confirmed that the situation had been resolved and all eastbound lanes had reopened. “We have concluded our police activity and all eastbound traffic on the Bay Bridge has resumed,” said a spokesperson from the CHP. “We thank the public for their patience and cooperation as we worked to ensure the safety of everyone involved.”
Despite the reopening, the traffic backlog created during the closure has continued to impact flow, and commuters are being urged to allow for additional travel time or consider alternative routes if possible. Public transit options, including BART and ferry services, saw increased ridership during the disruption, as some travelers sought ways to bypass the shutdown.
Transportation authorities are coordinating efforts to ease the backlog and restore normal traffic patterns. Digital highway signs along key corridors have been updated to reflect the current conditions, and tow trucks were deployed to remove any disabled vehicles that may have contributed to lingering delays.
No injuries or arrests have been reported in connection with the incident, and police have not released further details pending an ongoing investigation. Officials stated that more information will be made available as it becomes appropriate.
The Bay Bridge, officially known as the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge, is a vital artery for daily commuters, transporting hundreds of thousands of vehicles each day. Temporary shutdowns of this magnitude are rare and typically reserved for emergencies or high-risk situations.
As the evening rush hour continues, authorities are encouraging patience and vigilance from drivers. “Safety remains our top priority,” said the CHP. “We urge all drivers to stay informed through local traffic reports and obey all posted signs and instructions from officers on the scene.”
Residents and commuters are encouraged to monitor updates from local news outlets and official transportation channels for the latest developments.