The chp car is coming up now. I did speak with the chp officer 15 minutes ago, i asked is there any kind of delay . He said no, it just takes a while to pick up all the cones. Im guessing hopefully in the next couple of minutes, the new bay bridge will open up. It is a historic day in the bay area. You can see that empty toll plaza. The chp right now is conducting traffic breaks on ought the entrances to the bridge. Caltrans is picking up the cones, as soon as those cones are picked up, they will allow cars to cross the bay bridge. It is a significant milestone in bay area history, as we are going to see cars cross for the first time on the 6. 4 billion new eastern span of the bay bridge that took 11 years to build. Eric rasmussen is in a car right along the way, waiting to cross the bridge. We want to join eric live now with what its like from his take. Reporter frank, we are ready to go. Sea salted in, and ready to go. Were in the same position as dozens of other bikers and motorists out here tonight. At left check up, where you see the flood lights, they still have the barriers up. Although chp and cal transit said we would be ready to go by 10 00 p. M. Everyone out here, hoping to see what that new east span of the bay bridge is like. We in the news have had the opportunity, i know i did to get on the bridge and see it, but it is a different factor with regular drivers out there, trying to make their way to San Francisco or out to Treasure Island perhaps. We want today experience what this first wave of traffic is going to be like. Ive been talking to people in this line here tonight, talked to one man who said he was involved in fire rescue. He feels sort of a personal connection to this new bay bridge, he said he wanted to be one of the first out there tonight, regardless of how late it opened. He tried to get his family to join him, and they said thanks, but no thanks. Not everyone is in the same position, i found a mom with her two children. She saw the line, and thought it might be wise to wait out here. Shes still been waiting here like many others. We are expecting a chance to get onto the new span of the bay bridge imminently. When we do, we have the capability to bring that to you live. In fact, weve also set up a number of cameras on our news van, so we can record from a number of angles, what that drive is going to be like. You can hear the engines from the motorcycles. When we get a chance to get on that bridge, were going to bring it to you live and show you what it looks like, back to you. Reporter ive driven across it twice now, i can tell you, it is absolutely spectacular. Ive been out here all afternoon, prior to all of this, there was a big celebration. A lot of speakers. Also at a quarter to 6 00 tonight, a caravan of vintage cars. It was really something to see as they went across the new span of the bay bridge. Highway patrol officers guided the prosession through the toll plaza and onto the span, the cars were of every vintage, from the 30s, to the 40s, 50s, 60s, all the way to todays electric cars. Some went to San Francisco, others turned around at yorba island and went back. There was excitement to be sure, but also a big backup. There are also lingering doubts about the bridges safety tonight. Amber lee is live in the city with the frustration that came as a result of that Opening Ceremony. Reporter were at the 1st and harrison on ramp. You can see that crews and Police Officers on stand by, waiting for the word to be able to remove the barriers. Any cars going through, have permission to get onto Treasure Island. Let me show you what it looks like by this parking lot. These drivers are waiting patiently to be among the first to cross that bay bridge. The opening tonight, instead of tomorrow morning is being greeted with mixed reaction. Thats a good thing. Im actually traveling for work tomorrow, and going into oakland. It will be faster to come back without a lot of traffic. Honestly, im a little bit scared about the bolt situation. Im excited to see, it and drive over it, but also kind of nervous. I like it being close, because theres not as many cars in the city. Reporter around 6 20 tonight, traffic came to a complete stop. For the next 40 minutes, even Treasure Island residents with special passes and muni passengers couldnt get on. He got out of a taxi because he couldnt afford to have the meter running. Drivers stuck in traffic were irate. Reporter along Market Street in the financial district, people enjoying a quiet holiday in the city tell us a safer bay bridge has been a long time coming. It will be nice to see the new bridge. Im curious to see it. I think it will be good for the city. Reporter when do you think youre going to get yourself on it . As soon as possible . Reporter one pleasanton man says he applauds caltran for getting the bridge reopened early, but says the new concern now is will there be another b. A. R. T. Strike . I wish the bay bridge people could get together with the b. A. R. T. People and tell them how he figured it out. Reporter he got another cab to go on t. I. The many commuters waiting for that to open anytime now. Back here live, we can still see crews are waiting for word to reopen this ramp. I checked with the drivers waiting to be among the first, some tell me theyve been waiting for two hours. Amber lee, ktvu, channel 2 news. California governor jerry brown was an early critic of initial designs in the new eastern span, back when he was mayor of oakland, he said the original viaduct failed to deliver the world class design the bay deserves. But he was not on hand for the opening ceremonies. Instead, as Ken Pritchett reports it was gavin newsom who took the lead. Reporter it was with a torch that Lieutenant Governor gavin newsom cut the ceremonial chain. Ingly hope that the progress that is being represented at this moment is for a generation to dream big dreams and to do big things. Reporter newsom was the keynote speaker at the gathering near the toll plaza of bridge workers and other state and local leaders. There was little talk of a bridge billions of dollars over budget or decades overdue. Instead the focus was on a bridge that arrived in time. It has been completed before the arrival of our next big earthquake. And thank goodness for that. Reporter the new span of the bay bridge is to with stand earthquakes that the old span could not. That i, and everyone who uses this bridge will no longer have to be in fear of their life because we dont know when that next quake will happen. [ music ] reporter there was an emphasis on the positives, unlike with the depression era construction of the original span, no lives were lost in this project. As this bridge opens, some say there is reason to celebrate, but there is also reason to reflect, and look ahead to make sure similar megaprojects dont have similar problems. Through upcoming public hearings in the California State Senate we will review, and learn from our mistakes so that the escalation of costs that weve recently experienced does not repeat itself in future public works projects. Reporter so long after driving on this new bridge becomes routine, the questions about how it came to be will still be asked. In oakland, Ken Pritchett, ktvu, channel 2 news. One of our photographers got these pictures of a security sweep following that ceremony. Checked out the to plaza just about 10 minutes after 7 00. They determined there was nothing to be concerned about. The sweep was part of the final Security Check after the chain cutting ceremony, when dozens of people were milling about near those toll booths. Frank, in some ways we expected the bridge to be open by now here at 10 00, youve learned why its not open just yet. Reporter yeah, i just talked to a chp officer just about two minutes ago. They did a security sweep earlier. He said they had to do a Second Security sweep, because there was something unexpected on the bridge that they had to clear. I asked him what that was, he said honestly, i dont know what that was, but theyre in the process of clearing it. As soon as the bridge is clear, they plan to open the bridge, thats the reason for the delay. We are probably just a couple of minutes away or so, from this new bay bridge opening. Its been a long day for you out there. Whats been some of the most memorable things that stick you with tonight. Reporter well one of the most memorable things is just being able to stand in the middle of the roadway. You never get a chance to do that. But really, the most memorable thing was when a chp officer took us across the bay bridge. When you get a chance to see it up close for the first time, its really something. But i do have to tell you, i thought the view would be spectacular from the bridge as you go into San Francisco. Heres a hint folks, stay to the right. If youre in the far right hand lane, youre going to have a great view. But if youre in the middle, you really cant see much of the bay. What you can see, is when you turn the corner, you see this beautiful suspension power. On the way back, the view is spectacular as well, and its going to get even better. Stay to the right, as you said, it could be any minute now. Reporter actually, anything new . Yes, actually, well be opening within moments. Reporter i just heard theyll be opening within moments. I know amber lee is over in the city. She said frank, people have been lined up for two hours waiting to get on the bridge. Reporter yeah. Whats that . Okay, heres what he says, theyre running a traffic break right in front of the toll plaza. Heres the plan, the first cars that are coming across the bridge, theyre going to be essentially escorted by the chp, theyll be in all five lanes as they go across for the first time. It should just be a matter of moments. I can imagine a lot of people have lined up, as we look overhead from the chopper, you can see something you dont see very often. A completely empty toll plaza, but momentarily that should change. One of the thicks that things that i think is going to be interesting is how many people decide to come out and see the bridge as it opens. Will it be packed . Were going to be here, and show you as soon as it happens. The new eastern span has been a long time coming. Its cost more than originally projected, and took longer to build. Back in 1988, they figured it it would take just 4 years to build and cost 1. 4 billion. It canaled up taking 11 year wound up taking 11 years and the cost is 6. 4 billion. That works out to 2. 9 billion per mile. There is still more work that needs to be done. In march, 32 bolts designed to safeguard the bridge cracked after they were tightened. That threatened to delay this labor day opening, but steel shims were installed to provide temporary stability. The permanent fix is supposed to be applied in december. The first cars from the general public crossing the bay bridge for the very first time after a closure that began on thursday evening, and the bridge is now going to be opening earlier than planned. Remember, the target time for this bay bridge opening was supposed to be tomorrow morning at 5 00. Here we are. It appears that caltrans has beaten that deadline by about seven hours. We just spoke to frank somerville, live at the toll plaza. He caught a chp officer as he was walking by, and frank brought us the new line that the bridge is going to be opening any moment now. I believe this is a chp vehicle, escorting the first group of cars from like i said, the general public. Who knows how long these people have been lined up, waiting to make their way across the new bay bridge. I know amber lee calling on the San Francisco side of the bridge, said she was at a parking lot on the city side, and people have been waiting for two hours, hoping to be among the first to make it across the bay bridge. This is the first time weve been able to bring you this sight. A group of cars making their way across the new bay bridge for the very first time. Frank, ill bring you back in, im sure where you are, its going to be kind of weird to see cars crossing the toll plaza. Its been quiet for so many days. Reporter let me just Say Something as a warning to all drivers. The chp is going to have maximum enforcement out here. A lot of people might want to say, take a picture as theyre driving with their cell phone. Dont do that. The chp will give you a ticket. There are now side areas where you can pull off. On the old bay bridge, you couldnt pull over to the side. Now you can. If you pull over and stop to take a picture, you will get a ticket, and its a moving violation. It will add a point onto your driving record. Here come the chp officers right now. Let me get out of the frame here. There we go. Looks like those are some of the first cars right there. Look at that, frank, that is history in the making just feet from where you are. We talked about this in our earlier newscast, but all the hundreds, or thousands of times weve each driven across that bridge, but were in for a new unique experience once we get behind the wheel tonight. Reporter it is a totally new experience, and i had a chance to drive over it at night when the lights were on. It is spectacular when you see that suspension tower all lit up, it is just slightly beautiful. And in case youre wondering, the reason the new bay bridge is white, the architect did that for a reason. Its because it matches all the cranes at the port of oakland. Theyre all white. The new bay bridge is white as well. A lot of people watching. Celebratory honks. A lot of thumbs up signals out the window, im guessing. Reporter yeah, officer have there been any problems . Not so far. Rolling breaks are established as you can see. Were well establishing the speed limit nice and low. Were going to keep doing so until the bridge fills up with traffic adequately to keep the speed nice and low. Reporter is it going to be packed tonight . There should be a lot of cars coming through tonight. A lot of people were queued up before. After a while its going to slow down. Reporter any word on what that security issue was . No. Just a routine to make sure that the bridge is completely clear. Make sure we go through all of the steps. Reporter thanks officer, appreciate it. There you hear it. A lot of people have been waiting to get onto this bay bridge. He said the traffic actually, there could be some traffic tonight as people get a chance to go across the bridge for the first time. Pretty exciting here. This is actually history in the making, as we see from news chopper 2 going over the new bridge. I havent seen any people coming in the opposite direction yet. Although i imagine that we will see them soon enough. I can tell you, one of the things, the bay bridge has always been this beautiful gateway to San Francisco. Here on the east bay side, we have the candelabra section. Now what you have is a beautiful gateway into the east bay. As you come through the tunnel on this new bay bridge, once they tear down that candelabra section, you are going to have a spectacular view of the east bay. Right now, the candelabra section essentially blocks one whole side. But it really is something, you get a chance to see the east bay. Let me just tell you one our thing i did notice as i was going across. I didnt realize when i would drive on the lower deck of the bridge how secure i felt, because you have all the steel rods everywhere. On this new bay bridge, all you have essentially is something just like this right here. Its a little bit of a different feeling. Now granted, theres rebar in here and it is very secure, but it was something i noticed, as i was driven across. A little different feeling. Not quite as secure as you felt in the cocoon of the candelabra section. It will be something new for us, once we get to take our first trip across. The bridge, the single layer design coming back over to the east bay, theyre now next to each other, instead of one on top of the other, and thats considered seismically safer. The reason this bridge has been built, because of the earthquake. Frank, i felt the earthquake and you were covering the aftermath of it. To what we have today, swy a brand new bridge, 20 plus years later. I know the dignitaries who spoke at the Opening Ceremony late this afternoon said this new bay bridge should be seen as a sign of the bay areas resilience, and its resolve. Well let frank take in whats happening at the toll plaza. I know Eric Rasmussen was in a car. I hear the honks of other excited drivers, but you appear to be standing still. Reporter we dont want to be overly dramatic here, but you can really hear and feel the excitement out here at west grand. People honking their horns. The bikers up here are revving their engines waiting to go. I can tell you, i just looked out my windshield, and watched one of those caltrans workers kind of pumping up the crowd. From our perspective, it looks like they have not done that yet. Im sharing this information, frank from the toll plaza who want these updates, but again, hold on a second, as i look out, a couple of caltrans workers are taking down those barricades right now. We expect the folks lined up on the oakland side are ready to get on the bridge. Take a look at that. There they go. Weve got a big line of cars behind us. We will try to work our way in the line, and get on the span, and let you see it via our live cameras here. As we come back, well get it back to you again from west grand and maritime. The barricades are down. Traffic is flowing onto the new bay bridge. Well go let Eric Rasmussen inch forward, and see how long it takes him to make it across the 2. 2 miles. Frank, i know youve seen cars roll by where you are. Eric rasmussen is still waiting, tell us if things have changed at the toll plaza. Reporter actually, were kind of in a little bit of a lull right here. I was just talking to a chp officer a second ago, he said any moment now, cars are going to pass us going the other direction into the east bay. Theres a steady stream of cars, but there arent that many, at least not yet. As you saw with eric, there are a lot of cars lined up, and it takes a little bit for all of them to start to come across. Theyre still picking up some of the cones. Once they get all of those cones picked up, and all the cars start crossing, i imagine it will get at least a little busier than it is right now. I was going to say, im here on the east bay side. Amber is on the other side. Amber, what does it look like from over there . Reporter were still in the Holding Pattern frank. All eyes are on these folks. These crews on stand