Broadway Fire Closures and I-80 Construction Impact Thursday Commute

Morning Commute Overview: Fog and Downtown Disruptions

Commuters in Oakland this morning, Thursday, January 22, 2026, should prepare for a mix of road closures and weather-related delays. Caltrans reports a dense fog advisory affecting Northern California corridors as of 3:31 AM, which may impact visibility on major arteries like I-880 and the I-580 corridors during the early peak hours. Drivers are advised to use low-beam headlights and allow for extra following distance.

Downtown Traffic Alert: Broadway Road Closures

Significant disruptions continue in Downtown Oakland following the three-alarm fire at a multi-story building earlier this week. The 1700 block of Broadway remains a primary area of concern for motorists and transit riders. The Oakland Police Department has maintained closures on Broadway between 17th Street and 20th Street to facilitate ongoing safety inspections and support for displaced residents.

While limited access was provided to residents yesterday, the stretch remains largely restricted to through traffic. Commuters are encouraged to use Franklin Street or Telegraph Avenue as north-south alternatives. Expect residual congestion on adjacent side streets, particularly during the morning and evening rush.

Regional Highway Watch: I-80 and Viaduct Rehabilitation

• I-80 Nightly Closures: Caltrans has scheduled overnight ramp and lane closures on I-80 between Albany and Hercules. These closures are in effect on weeknights from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM and are expected to continue through February. Commuters departing Oakland in the pre-dawn hours should plan for delays and consider using San Pablo Avenue to bypass the work zones.
• San Francisco Viaduct Work: Rehabilitation work began yesterday, January 21, on the Central (U.S. 101) and Bayshore (Interstate 80) viaducts. While the primary construction is located across the bridge, Oakland residents commuting into San Francisco can expect increased congestion on the Bay Bridge as lane configurations shift to accommodate the project.

Public Transport Updates: BART and AC Transit

For those looking to avoid road delays, public transit options are operating with minor adjustments:

• BART: No major schedule changes are in effect for the daytime hours. However, be aware that nightly modernization work on the train control system continues after 9:00 PM. During these late hours, the Yellow Line will terminate at SFO rather than Millbrae to allow crews to upgrade track equipment.
• AC Transit: Minor schedule shifts for Routes 44 and 51 have been implemented this month to improve reliability. Riders should also be prepared for localized detours on bus lines that normally serve the 1700 block of Broadway due to the ongoing fire-related street closures.

Construction and Safety Reminders

Active construction for affordable housing near the Lake Merritt BART station may cause temporary sidewalk closures and increased heavy vehicle traffic on 8th and 9th Streets. Additionally, as the city prepares to open a Local Assistance Center for fire victims tomorrow, expect high pedestrian activity near Frank Ogawa Plaza.