Ep 4. Oakland Bay Bridge

Located in San Francisco, the Oakland Bay Bridge is a vital link between the city and the East Bay. For years, this aging bridge has faced the threat of collapse from earthquakes and has been in urgent need of a seismic retrofit.

In Extreme Engineering season 2 episode 4, we follow the massive and unprecedented construction project undertaken to ensure the Bay Bridge's durability and stability. The team of engineers and builders tasked with the challenge of retrofitting the 77-year-old bridge faced both logistical and technical obstacles.

The retrofitting process involved the design and installation of two massive steel trusses, each one stretching over 1,000 feet, which would be placed below the bridge's main deck. These trusses would serve as a support system and prevent the bridge's legs from shaking violently during an earthquake.

The project required the construction of a massive machine, weighing more than 1,200 tons, which would be used to lift and position the trusses into place. The machine was one of the biggest ever built, measuring more than 300 feet long and 50 feet wide. It also had 144 wheels, spanning two entire lanes of the bridge, to distribute its weight across the entire structure.

The project involved a risky and challenging crane installation, which had to be done in a single night to prevent interruptions to the Bay Area's busy traffic flow. Despite the difficulties, the team successfully completed the crane installation, allowing the machine to begin lifting the trusses into position.

The retrofitting of the Oakland Bay Bridge was a vital safety project that required determination, skill, and innovative engineering. In Extreme Engineering season 2 episode 4, viewers witness the challenges and triumphs of a team of experts as they battled against time and the elements to ensure the Bay Bridge's durability and safety.