There is no question that San Francisco bridges are some of the most spectacular and complicated bridges in the U. S.. Bridges in San Francisco are famous for many alternative reasons, whether or not it is for their size or the mark they have made in history. Here is a few of the most unusual and outstanding bridges that San Francisco has to give.
Hayward Bridge
Originally referred to as the San Francisco Bay Toll Bridge, the Hayward Bridge connects the San Francisco Bay with the East Bay. At seven miles long, it is presently the longest bridge in the San Fran area and it ranks as among the top 25 longest bridges on the planet. When they Hayward Bridge was first built in 1929, it was only two lanes with a vertical lift span over the shipping channel. In 1967, the Hayward Bridge was reconstructed and made from multiple steel girders and concrete trestle spans.
Oakland Bay Bridge
The first of its kind, the Oakland Bay Bridge is basically a tunnel and two bridges that connect the easterly side of San Francisco and the western side of Oakland. It was designed by Charles Purcell with construction starting 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 completed in 1937 setting the standard for future bridges. The total weight of the bridge is supported by two main cables, with each having 27,572 wires, equaling 80,000 miles of cable. Most obvious though is the orange paint that was painted on the bridge so the Golden Gate Bridge would be tangible to ships in the thick San Francisco fog. The Golden Gate is the first Bridge that ever used a security-net for the safety of the bridge workers during construction.
Richmond San Rafael Bridge
This superb double-decker cantilever and truss bridge is 29,040 feet long and was opened for traffic in 1956. It is popularly called the "roller coaster" bridge and many consider it to be one of the sturdiest bridges ever built. Despite it having a clearance of 185 feet this bridge has been thought to be hit by ships but hasn't had to shut for repairs due to it. Actually a navy radar vessel and a World War Two battleship collided with the bridge both on the exact 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 had problems, thanks to a design issue many ships collide into its narrow opening and in 1970 the lift span stopped working. In 1978 a new steel plate girder bridge was constructed and is now called the Senator John A. Nejedly Bridge.
Hayward Bridge
Originally referred to as the San Francisco Bay Toll Bridge, the Hayward Bridge connects the San Francisco Bay with the East Bay. At seven miles long, it is presently the longest bridge in the San Fran area and it ranks as among the top 25 longest bridges on the planet. When they Hayward Bridge was first built in 1929, it was only two lanes with a vertical lift span over the shipping channel. In 1967, the Hayward Bridge was reconstructed and made from multiple steel girders and concrete trestle spans.
Oakland Bay Bridge
The first of its kind, the Oakland Bay Bridge is basically a tunnel and two bridges that connect the easterly side of San Francisco and the western side of Oakland. It was designed by Charles Purcell with construction starting 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 completed in 1937 setting the standard for future bridges. The total weight of the bridge is supported by two main cables, with each having 27,572 wires, equaling 80,000 miles of cable. Most obvious though is the orange paint that was painted on the bridge so the Golden Gate Bridge would be tangible to ships in the thick San Francisco fog. The Golden Gate is the first Bridge that ever used a security-net for the safety of the bridge workers during construction.
Richmond San Rafael Bridge
This superb double-decker cantilever and truss bridge is 29,040 feet long and was opened for traffic in 1956. It is popularly called the "roller coaster" bridge and many consider it to be one of the sturdiest bridges ever built. Despite it having a clearance of 185 feet this bridge has been thought to be hit by ships but hasn't had to shut for repairs due to it. Actually a navy radar vessel and a World War Two battleship collided with the bridge both on the exact 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 had problems, thanks to a design issue many ships collide into its narrow opening and in 1970 the lift span stopped working. In 1978 a new steel plate girder bridge was constructed and is now called the Senator John A. Nejedly Bridge.
About the Author:
John Feyd has had an interest in San francisco bridges for many years. He has written op-eds and editorial pieces for many online publications. For full information, please feel free to visit his site.
