68 Protesters Detained on San Mateo Bridge: CHP

Nearly 70 protesters have been detained after making their way on the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge late Monday, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The closure was reported just before 5 p.m. and snarled traffic during the evening commute. The demonstration also followed several other protests that disrupted BART service in Oakland.

CHP said the protesters got onto the bridge and blocked both directions around the mid-span. The protesters had been dropped off by cars on westbound lanes and briefly made their way to both sides of the freeway, CHP Officer Daniel Hill said.

Officials were able to quickly reopen eastbound lanes, but kept westbound lanes closed while they detained protesters and waited for them to be transported to the San Mateo County Jail.

CHP said 68 people were detained during the protest on the bridge. They are expected to face charges of disobeying a lawful order of a peace officer and obstructing the free movement of others, Hill said.

The protesters were peaceful and did not become violent, according to Hill.

CHP said all lanes were reopened on bridge at about 6:45 p.m.

Bay City News contributed to this report.

Contact Us