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SF’s Historic Third Street Bridge Damaged in Storm

The Lefty O’Doul Bridge was struck by barges during the storm
By - posted 3/23/2023 No Comment

San Francisco’s Third Street Bridge, also known as Lefty O’Doul Bridge, was shut to through traffic after being struck by barges and damaged, San Francisco Public Works said at 6:45 p.m. on Tuesday. The historic span was struck by industrial barges that came loose and collided with it during high winds and surf, SFPW said. The storm and its high winds ripped barges loose from their moorings.

The pedestrian and vehicle drawbridge, the only of its kind in San Francisco, was built in 1933 and crosses Mission Creek near the Giants ballpark. The bridge was fully closed while crews assessed the damage, but partially reopened by 9:30 p.m. San Francisco Public Works said, “The Third Street Bridge is back open to traffic, with 1 westbound & 2 eastbound lanes. But a second westbound lane & walkway — rammed by barges that came loose in Mission Creek — remain closed. Our engineers will return in the a.m. for a more thorough assessment.”

SF Public Works gave an update on Wednesday, March 22, “After untethered barges rammed the Third Street Bridge during yesterday’s fierce winds, our carpenters worked today to shore up & block off the buckled wooden walkway. The drawbridge is open for crossings, but span lifts on hold, pending further assessment by our engineers.”