build a replacement bridge. In that incident, the lift span was stuck in the raised position. The bridge tender could not leave the bridge and remained in the control house for 20 hours. Local firemen eventually made their way to him and brought him out. The bridge was closed for repairs for 5 months. 1978 replacement bridge Sen. Nejedly authored Senate Bill 25, which later became Chapter 765 of the California Statutes of 1972, authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds to fund the construction of a replacement to the existing bridge. The bill cited the recent extended disruptions in bridge service from marine traffic damage as well as flooding of the approaches. The high-level bridge opened in December 1978. Shortly before completion, the replacement bridge was named to honor Sen. Nejedly. Tolls Tolls are only collected from northbound traffic at the toll plaza on the south end (Antioch) of the bridge. All-electronic tolling has been in effect since 2020, and drivers may either pay using the FasTrak electronic toll collection device, using the license plate tolling program, or via a one time payment online. Effective , the toll rate for passenger cars is $7. During peak traffic hours, carpool vehicles carrying three or more people, clean air vehicles, or motorcycles may pay a discounted toll of $3.50 if they have FasTrak and use the designated carpool lane. Drivers must pay within 48 hours after crossing the bridge or they will be sent a toll violation invoice. No additional fees will be added to the toll violation if it is paid within 21 days. Historical toll rates Crossing the original 1926 bridge required a toll, but tolls were removed in 1945 after the state bought the bridge in 1940. Under the ownership of the American Toll Bridge company, in 1940, tolls were 45cents per car (equivalent to $ in ) plus fivecents (equivalent to $ in ) per passenger. After the state took ownership, tolls were immediately reduced to thirty cents per car (equivalent to $ in ) for up to four passengers. In 1942, tolls were further reduced to 25cents per car (equivalent to $ in ). then removed three years later. Tolls were reinstated in 1978 with the completion of the new span at fifty cents per car (equivalent to $ in ), collected northbound only. The basic toll (for automobiles) on the seven state-owned bridges, including the Antioch