Heavy Super Bowl Traffic and Bridge Work Slow Oakland Commutes This Thursday

Super Bowl LX and the Oakland Fan Zone

As the region prepares for Super Bowl LX this coming Sunday, traffic patterns across Oakland are being significantly affected. The Bay Area Host Committee’s local activities, including the Oakland Fan Zone, are drawing increased crowds to the downtown and waterfront areas. Commuters should expect heavier-than-normal volume on Interstate 880 and the I-580 corridors as visitors navigate between Oakland and San Francisco. Local streets in the Jack London Square vicinity may also experience intermittent congestion related to event logistics and increased pedestrian activity.

Carquinez Bridge and CA-37 Lane Closures

Drivers heading north from Oakland will encounter major delays today due to scheduled maintenance on the Carquinez Bridge. Caltrans has implemented lane closures that are in effect Monday through Thursday from 3:00 AM to 1:00 PM. These closures are part of an ongoing project expected to last through March 2026. Additionally, if your commute takes you toward Vallejo or the North Bay, be aware of daily lane closures on CA-37. Scheduled from February 2 through February 6, these restrictions affect westbound traffic from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and eastbound traffic from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Motorists are advised to use alternate routes to avoid these bottleneck areas.

Public Transit: BART and AC Transit Updates

Public transportation remains a recommended alternative for avoiding Super Bowl traffic, though there are specific alerts to keep in mind for today:

• BART Modernization: The ongoing Train Control Modernization project will result in delays of up to 30 minutes tonight. These disruptions typically begin at 9:00 PM on Thursday nights for those traveling on the line between Millbrae, San Bruno, and SFO.
• West Oakland Wi-Fi: In better news for commuters, BART has successfully rolled out free Wi-Fi 6E at the West Oakland station this week, allowing riders to stay connected during their transbay trips.
• AC Transit Service Changes: Following network adjustments implemented on February 1, several local and Transbay lines have updated schedules to improve reliability. Commuters are encouraged to check their specific routes for stop optimizations or relocations, particularly those traveling near Cedar Boulevard where construction is ongoing through the year.

Bridge Safety and Commuter Tips

A high wind advisory is currently in effect for the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. While the span remains open, officials advise that travel is not recommended for high-profile vehicles, including campers and trailers, until the advisory is lifted. For those driving into San Francisco for the festivities, remember that several major streets near the Moscone Center are fully closed to vehicle traffic, which is causing significant spillover congestion onto the bridges and off-ramps during the evening rush. Plan for at least an extra 20 to 30 minutes for your transbay commute today and consider using the BART system to bypass the worst of the bridge traffic.