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The Rio Vista Bridge, also known as the Helen Madere Memorial Bridge, was completed in its current form in 1960. Here are some more quick facts about it:
- The bridge is approximately 2,890 feet in length.
- It’s estimated to carry about 21,000 vehicles per day.
- The bridge was officially named the Helen Madere Memorial Bridge in 1998, after a former vice mayor of Rio Vista.
- The drawbridge, when raised, allows 135 feet of clearance. When it is lowered it only allows 18 feet of clearance.
- Total construction cost of the bridge was $4.1 million, or about $40 million adjusted for inflation in 2018.
According to Caltrans, the bridge was raised to let a ship in around 3:30 p.m. and then would not lower. A spokesperson tells ABC10 that repair crews are aiming to reopen the bridge by 3:30 a.m. Friday, but for now the bridge will remain closed indefinitely.
Here's an inside CalTrans look at the bridge: