Roadway Configuration / Reversible Lanes

Reversible lanes were inaugurated on the Golden Gate Bridge roadway on October 29, 1963. Emergency call boxes are located at various locations across the Bridge and tow services are available 24/7.

The roadway lane configuration on the Bridge is changed throughout the day and night to accommodate peak flows of traffic in both directions to the greatest extent possible. The lane configuration is established based on real time traffic volumes.

MORNING COMMUTE PERIOD: During the weekday morning peak commute period, the roadway is configured with four (4) southbound roadway lanes and two (2) roadway lanes for northbound traffic.

AFTERNOON COMMUTE PERIOD: During the weekday afternoon peak commute period, the roadway configuration is more variable than the morning commute. We endeavor to have the best possible configuration given that northbound traffic volumes are more variable and, at times, Doyle Drive construction can negatively impact the northbound commute. Bridge lanes are typically set with three (3) lanes in each direction.

WEEKENDS: On weekends, traffic volumes can often be very high in both directions at the same time requiring a three (3) lane configuration for each direction.

NIGHTTIME and BAD WEATHER: At night and during inclement weather, a buffer lane, or empty traffic lane, is added between the northbound and southbound traffic.