There's no doubt that San Francisco bridges are the most impressive and intricate bridges in the United States. 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's a few of the most original and outstanding bridges that San Francisco has to show off.
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 one of the top 25 longest bridges on the planet. The original Hayward Bridge was built in 1929, it was only 2 lanes with a vertical lift span over the shipping channel. In 1967, the Hayward Bridge was reconstructed and made from concrete trestle spans and steel girders.
Oakland Bay Bridge
The Oakland Bay Bridge is a unique structure, and is essentially two bridges and a tunnel that connect the easterly side of San Francisco and the west side of Oakland. The Oakoland Bay 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 and designer Joseph Strauss and was done in 1937 setting the standard for future bridges. The overall weight of the bridge is supported by two main cables, with each cable having 27,572 wires, equaling 80,000 miles of cable wire. Most obvious though is the orange paint that was used so the bridge would be visible to ships in the thick San Fran fog. This is also the first bridge that tried a security net for the safety of the employees 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 nicknamed the "roller coaster" bridge and many consider it to be one of the sturdiest bridges ever built. Notwithstanding it having a clearance of 185 feet this bridge has been known to be hit by ships but hasn't had to close down for repairs due to it. In truth a navy radar vessel and a World War II warship 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 initially the first toll bridge over the San Francisco tributary. But from the the beginning it encountered problems, thanks 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 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 one of the top 25 longest bridges on the planet. The original Hayward Bridge was built in 1929, it was only 2 lanes with a vertical lift span over the shipping channel. In 1967, the Hayward Bridge was reconstructed and made from concrete trestle spans and steel girders.
Oakland Bay Bridge
The Oakland Bay Bridge is a unique structure, and is essentially two bridges and a tunnel that connect the easterly side of San Francisco and the west side of Oakland. The Oakoland Bay 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 and designer Joseph Strauss and was done in 1937 setting the standard for future bridges. The overall weight of the bridge is supported by two main cables, with each cable having 27,572 wires, equaling 80,000 miles of cable wire. Most obvious though is the orange paint that was used so the bridge would be visible to ships in the thick San Fran fog. This is also the first bridge that tried a security net for the safety of the employees 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 nicknamed the "roller coaster" bridge and many consider it to be one of the sturdiest bridges ever built. Notwithstanding it having a clearance of 185 feet this bridge has been known to be hit by ships but hasn't had to close down for repairs due to it. In truth a navy radar vessel and a World War II warship 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 initially the first toll bridge over the San Francisco tributary. But from the the beginning it encountered problems, thanks 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 called the Senator John A. Nejedly Bridge.
About the Author:
John Feyd has been fascinated by San francisco bridges for a few years. He has written op-eds and editorial pieces for many online publications. For detailed info, please visit his site.