Updated: Big-Rig Collision on Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Causes Traffic Delays

By Bay City News, image via Shutterstock

Updated at 8:55pm

The eastbound lanes of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge have reopened after they were closed for much of Tuesday morning because a big-rig got stuck on a concrete wall, according to the California Highway Patrol.

A 2014 Volvo D13 tractor was towing an empty Safeway truck around 9 a.m. in the middle of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge when it crashed into a concrete guardrail, CHP Officer Andrew Barclay said. The collision caused the right side of the tractor to ride up on top of the guardrail and block the No. 2 lane.

The big-rig, driven by Anthony Parnell, 52, of Modesto, was towed from the scene, and Interstate Highway 580 reopened at 11:25 a.m., Barclay said.

The collision, however, punctured a saddle tank that spilled diesel fuel and saturated the roadway requiring immediate repair in the heat or the road would not be suitable for travel, Barclay said. Caltrans closed the No. 2 lane at 2 p.m. to repair the road, which was expected to reopen around 6 p.m., Barclay said.

The CHP said extended delays are expected in the area during the busy commute hours Tuesday afternoon.

No injuries were reported.