Shortly after 7 a.m. yesterday, 20,000 pounds of dynamite brought down Pier E-3 of the old Bay Bridge. The Bay Area got to see exactly what that looks like when Caltrans released videos of the event on their website. Since the big bang lasted only six seconds, our favorite video is the slow motion version, where the blast is drawn out and you can see the happening in more cinematic detail. Caltrans officials told the San Francisco Chronicle that all went according to plan, although the environmental impacts are still being evaluated.
As we reported earlier, if this maneuver is deemed successful, then 12 smaller piers will be dispatched in the same way.
· Caltrans Implosion of the Old Bay Bridge Pier is Complete [Curbed SF]
· Pier E3 Implosion - Old Bay Bridge [CA.gov]
· More Pier E3 Implosion Coverage [CA.gov]