The Bay Bridge is Back In Business, Whether You Like it or Not.

It was like one of those dreams where you recognize the setting, but something isn't normal. I slowly realized that what was missing was the dull roar of the Bay Bridge. Its a unique sound that is a combination of wind noise, tire thuds reverberating off the lower deck pavement to the bottom of the upper deck, and the structural creaks and groans of the 72 year old bridge itself.

The structure went quiet last week after being closed due pieces falling off and striking cars on the upper deck. Luckily, no one was hurt and the bridge reopened yesterday after inspections and repairs. It had not been closed that long since the 1989 earthquake, when it was out of commission for almost a month.

San Francisco has changed a lot since then, and seeing the effects of the closing was fascinating. Downtown parking lots were almost empty and street parking plentiful. Walking along The Embarcadero, one felt like they were in an alternate universe version of San Francisco without the constant aural reminder of thousands of vehicles moving overhead. The neighborhood felt oddly serene for an urban center.

The visual impact was stunning as well. No steady stream of headlights careening westward and no red tail lights retreating east. For those with views of the bridge it was a unique experience to have what is normally the site of constant activity rendered little more than an elaborate water sculpture.

That's all over now and Downtown parking lot owners can breathe a sigh of relief. Albeit one with a little more particulate matter in it.

Looking for a home with Bay Bridge views ? Let the span of my experience help.