Golden Gate Bridge, located in San Francisco, is a suspension bridge. That crosses the area where San Francisco Bay meets the Pacific Ocean. Often known as the Golden Gate Strait (hence the name). San Francisco and Marin County are connected by this bridge. Which is 2737 meters long and 227 meters high.
More over 45 million vehicles cross through the Golden Gate Bridge each year. It is according to official figures. The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in San Francisco. And it used to be the world’s longest suspension bridge main span until 1964. When it was replaced by the Bay Bridge.
It remains unsurpassed, however, in terms of the beauty of its surroundings. Despite the fact that other bridges have since surpassed it in terms of size. According to some estimations it is now referred to as “the world’s most photographed bridge.” This bridge, which also serves as a pedestrian promenade. Carries both US Route 101 and California State Route 1 (Pacific Coast Highway). Across the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
A second aim of the bridge’s orange vermilion color. Which was selected by consulting architect Irving Morrow, is to serve a dual purpose. It mixes in well with the surrounding natural scenery. While also making the bridge clearly visible to ships in fog. A golden glow emanates from the bridge as the sun sets. Reflecting off the waters of the bay. And giving it a dreamlike image as the sun sets.
Opening Day of the Golden Gate Bridge saw Many Firsts
To commemorate the opening of the Golden Gate Bridge. The city of San Francisco observed Pedestrian Day on May 27, 1937, on Market Street. On that particular day, up to 200,000 people were expected to traverse the bridge. This year, there was a competition. To see who could be the first to run or push a baby stroller across the Golden Gate Bridge. As well as a competition to see who could be first to skate across the bridge.
It was stated by the San Francisco Chronicle in 2011. That a person who crossed the Golden Gate Bridge on stilts had done so. Which one of the most odd historical firsts ever recorded. The bridge officially opened to car traffic the next day. Marking the beginning of the modern era.
The Construction of the Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge construction began in January 1933 and faced various problems. Under principal engineer Joseph B. Strauss. The strait’s high tides, storms. And fogs made building challenging. On August 14, 1933, a cargo ship collided with the access trestle. Severely damaging it. Workers had to blast rock under water to install earthquake-proof foundations.
Strauss’s movable safety net rescued 19 men from death during building. On February 17, 1937, the safety net fell under the weight of a scaffolding collapse. One man leaped clear, two escaped the fall into the sea, and ten died. During construction, one more worker died. Bringing the total to 11 in four years.
The bridge opened to traffic on May 28, 1937, on time and on budget. A 1,280 metre long main span strung. From two cables hung from 227 metre high towers. It’s roadway is 81 metres (265 feet) above mean high water. The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in New York City possessed the world’s longest main span until 1964.
The Bridge’s Natural Setting
Located in the northern Marin Headlands. This Golden Gate Bridge encircled by the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The Golden Gate Bridge built in 1937. Its region contains a great deal of open space. As well as sensitive animal habitat and severe weather. Considering the following facts about the Golden Gate Bridge in the context of its natural surroundings. It can aid you in your understanding of this iconic structure.
People can cross the bridge at any time in their automobiles or motorcycles. During daylight hours, they can ride their bicycles or walk across the bridge. They are unable to cross the bridge. While using roller skates, skateboards, or motorcycles.