Police stopped dozens of dirt bikers on the east side of the Bay Bridge on Sunday night, blocking all lanes and snarling traffic for nearly two hours.
Around 5:45 p.m., Oakland police and California Highway Patrol officers initiated traffic enforcement against a large group riding dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles from San Francisco to Oakland, who had been “creating havoc,” said Officer Mark Andrews, a spokesman for CHP San Francisco.
Law enforcement briefly stopped all lanes of eastbound traffic on the bridge, before re-opening two lanes, Andrews said. The remaining lanes had been expected to re-open around 7:30 p.m.
Andrews said the riders abandoned their dirt bikes and fled on foot. Oakland police arrested two people.
Officials impounded 50 to 60 dirt bikes and ATVs, Andrews said.
“This was a necessary step to hopefully have the individuals learn that this is improper behavior and we will not tolerate it on our roadways,” Andrews said.
As the incident unfolded, cars heading from San Francisco to Oakland on the Bay Bridge encountered a massive traffic back-up.
Google Maps suggested drivers route over the Richmond bridge.
A livestreamed traffic camera from ABC7 at 7:40 p.m. showed traffic flowing normally westbound, while eastbound traffic on the lower deck of the western span still appeared largely stalled, with tail and brake lights glowing.
Numerous drivers reported being stuck on the bridge on social media.
This story is developing. Check back for updates