Bimla Rhinehart Vista Point

Introduction

The Bimla Rhinehart Vista Point, previously named the Pier E-2 Phase 2 project, is part of the Toll Bridge Seismic Program in which the Bay Area Toll Authority and Caltrans repurposed the area in and around Pier E-2 at the base of the East Span of the Bay Bridge for public use.

For Phase 1, a land bridge connecting Yerba Buena Island to the pier was constructed and limited vehicle parking, bicycle parking, and interpretive signage that honors and explains the site’s history were added.

Phase 2 improvements include:

• Expanding the parking lot
• Adding a restroom
• Completing signage at the site
• Providing utilities to serve both the parking lot improvements and the improvements planned for the Torpedo Building

At  completion, the area will be opened to the public for enhanced access to the San Francisco Bay.

The Bimla Rhinehart Vista Point was formally dedicated in October 2019 to honor the former Executive Director of the California Transportation Commission. The Vista Point was developed as an environmental commitment of the Bay Bridge East Span Seismic Replacement Project.

The Torpedo Building Preservation Project is a mitigation measure of the Yerba Buena Island Southgate Road Realignment Improvement Project (Southgate) which was completed in May 2023. To implement the Southgate project, Quarters 8, an officer’s residence was determined needing removal for the project, causing an adverse impact. However, the Torpedo Building (Navy Building 262) was eligible to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places (National Register). 

The preservation elements include removing the roof and replacing it with corrugated metal roofing, repairing or replacing fascia boards, windows, and doors. The building is located on the far northeast tip of Yerba Buena Island, underneath the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, and is now owned by the Treasure Island Development Authority. 

Project Goals

Project goals include reconstructing the Pier E-2 Parking Lot Site on Yerba Buena Island and improving accessibility to the Vista Point. 

Project Partners

The Bimla Rhinehart Vista Point project is led by the Transportation Authority in partnership with Bay Area Toll Authority and Treasure Island Development Authority.

Cost and Funding

The project is funded by $13,000,000 from the Bay Area Toll Authority. The funding was used to design, build, and maintain Vista Point on Yerba Buena Island.

Resources

Invitation to Bid for Torpedo Project and Pier E2 Project

Request for Proposals

Contact

info@sfcta.org