There is no doubt that San Francisco bridges are the most impressive and elaborate bridges in the U. S.. Bridges in San Francisco are famous for many alternative reasons, whether it is for their size or the mark they have made in history. Here is a few of the most unusual and notable bridges that San Francisco has to show off.
Hayward Bridge
Originally referred to as the San Francisco Bay Toll Bridge, this bridge connects the San Francisco Bay with the East Bay. At 7 miles long, it is at present the longest bridge in the bay area and it ranks as among the top 25 longest bridges globally. The original bridge was built in 1929, the Hayward was only 2 lanes with a vertical lift span over the shipping channel. In 1967, the bridge was reconstructed from concrete trestle spans and steel girders.
Oakland Bay Bridge
This unique first of a kind structure is actually two bridges and a tunnel that connect the east side of San Francisco and the west side of Oakland. The bridge was designed by Charles Purcell with construction beginning in 1933 and opening in 1936. The first is a two spanned double-decker suspension bridge running 10,304 feet long and connecting Yerba Buena Island ti San Francisco. After leaving the Yerba Buena tunnel, a 10,176 foot cantilever bridge continues to the Oakland Bay.
Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate bridge was designed by the famous architect Joseph Strauss and was finished in 1937 setting the standard for future bridges. The overall weight of the bridge is supported by two main cables, with each having 27,572 wires, equaling 80,000 miles of cable wire. Most obvious though is the orange paint that was used so the Golden Gate Bridge would be observable to ships in the thick San Fran fog. This is also the first bridge that tried a security-net for the safety of the workers during construction.
Richmond San Rafael Bridge
This wonderful double-decker cantilever and truss bridge is 29,040 feet long and was opened for traffic in 1956. It is nicknamed the "roller coaster" bridge and many consider it to be one of the sturdiest bridges ever built. In spite of it having a clearance of 185 feet this bridge has been known to be hit by ships but has not had to shut for repairs due to it. Actually a navy radar vessel and a World War Two warship collided with the bridge both on the same day.
Antioch Bridge
The initial Antioch Bridge was built in 1926 by Aven Hanford and Oscar Klatt, it was actually the first toll bridge over the San Francisco tributary. But from the the start it encountered problems, due to a design flaw many ships collide into its narrow opening and in 1970 the lift span ceased to work. In 1978 a new steel plate girder bridge was made and is now referred to as the Senator John A. Nejedly Bridge.
Hayward Bridge
Originally referred to as the San Francisco Bay Toll Bridge, this bridge connects the San Francisco Bay with the East Bay. At 7 miles long, it is at present the longest bridge in the bay area and it ranks as among the top 25 longest bridges globally. The original bridge was built in 1929, the Hayward was only 2 lanes with a vertical lift span over the shipping channel. In 1967, the bridge was reconstructed from concrete trestle spans and steel girders.
Oakland Bay Bridge
This unique first of a kind structure is actually two bridges and a tunnel that connect the east side of San Francisco and the west side of Oakland. The bridge was designed by Charles Purcell with construction beginning in 1933 and opening in 1936. The first is a two spanned double-decker suspension bridge running 10,304 feet long and connecting Yerba Buena Island ti San Francisco. After leaving the Yerba Buena tunnel, a 10,176 foot cantilever bridge continues to the Oakland Bay.
Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate bridge was designed by the famous architect Joseph Strauss and was finished in 1937 setting the standard for future bridges. The overall weight of the bridge is supported by two main cables, with each having 27,572 wires, equaling 80,000 miles of cable wire. Most obvious though is the orange paint that was used so the Golden Gate Bridge would be observable to ships in the thick San Fran fog. This is also the first bridge that tried a security-net for the safety of the workers during construction.
Richmond San Rafael Bridge
This wonderful double-decker cantilever and truss bridge is 29,040 feet long and was opened for traffic in 1956. It is nicknamed the "roller coaster" bridge and many consider it to be one of the sturdiest bridges ever built. In spite of it having a clearance of 185 feet this bridge has been known to be hit by ships but has not had to shut for repairs due to it. Actually a navy radar vessel and a World War Two warship collided with the bridge both on the same day.
Antioch Bridge
The initial Antioch Bridge was built in 1926 by Aven Hanford and Oscar Klatt, it was actually the first toll bridge over the San Francisco tributary. But from the the start it encountered problems, due to a design flaw many ships collide into its narrow opening and in 1970 the lift span ceased to work. In 1978 a new steel plate girder bridge was made and is now referred to as the Senator John A. Nejedly Bridge.
About the Author:
John Feyd has been interested in San francisco bridges for a while. He has written op-eds and editorial pieces for many online publications. For more information, feel free to visit his site.
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