The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge measures 8.4 miles in length. This measurement includes the approaches and the toll plaza, providing the total distance covered by the bridge system connecting San Francisco and Alameda counties via Interstate 80.
According to the Bridge Facts At-A-Glance information from MTC (Metropolitan Transportation Commission), the length is specifically defined:
Bay Bridge Key Facts
Here are some key details about the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge based on the reference:
- Length: 8.4 miles
- Inclusions: Approaches and toll plaza
- Location: Interstate 80, between San Francisco and Alameda counties
- Structure Type: Suspension, tunnel, skyway
- Vertical Clearance: 220 feet
- Channel Span: 1,400 feet
Understanding the Length Measurement
The 8.4 miles figure encompasses more than just the span directly over the water. It accounts for the entire length of the structure and associated infrastructure that is considered part of the bridge complex. This includes:
- The main bridge sections (West Span and East Span)
- The tunnel segment (Yerba Buena Island Tunnel)
- The elevated skyway sections
- The on and off-ramps or "approaches" connecting the bridge to the road network on both sides
- The toll plaza facilities
This comprehensive measurement gives a clear picture of the total distance travelers cover when crossing the entire bridge system, from where the approach infrastructure begins on one side to where it ends on the other.
[Bridge Length]
