The MacArthur Maze is the interchange where Interstates 80, 580, and 880 meet in Oakland (Emeryville) near the Bay Bridge approach into San Francisco. The latest AP wire and the San Francisco Chronicle are reporting a massive gasoline tanker truck fire that melted two ramps, effectively cutting off access from I-580 to the Bay Bridge. The SF Chronicle has photos of the melted ramps. (If you’ve driven through this maze before, think of the ramp that takes you from the Bay Bridge to skirt past the Emeryville Ikea.)
The MacArthur Maze is to San Francisco as the Springfield Interchange (Springfield Mixing Bowl) is to DC, so the traffic impact of this literal infrastructure collapse will likely be tremendous. Being Sunday morning, things probably aren’t that bad now, but come Monday morning both the BART and the remaining I-80 ramp is going to feel its own stresses.
I feel bad when my worst traffic nightmare actually comes true for other people. I’ve been stuck in some really bad 2–4 hour traffic jams here in DC, but with so many cars and trucks on the road and so many I know it is inevitable that the day will come where something will trigger gridlock so bad that people will have to leave their cars. Yes, I really do have nightmares about traffic.
Comments
Actually, it isn’t as bad as it sounds. It might have been last week but fortunately I missed it! Bay area folks are responding well and have been largely taking the BART (SFs metro system) whenever possible. This morning (my usual commute takes me right through this area) only took 15 minutes longer and traffic was nonexistent – the 15 minutes were spent winding through Oakland streets. I am a tad afraid to leave work right now though
(at 5:40 the height of rush hour!)
It’s good to know that there is some element of adaptability in the system out there, i.e a public transportation option. I’ve heard many people are telecommuting as well. I’m hoping these options stick around even after the ramp gets rebuilt. Just wish I had those options here