There is no question that San Francisco bridges are examples of the most impressive and intricate bridges in the United States. Bridges in San Francisco are renowned for many various reasons, whether or not it is for their size or the mark they have made in history. Featured here are a few of the most unusual and outstanding bridges that San Francisco has to show off.
Hayward Bridge
Originally known as the San Francisco Bay Toll Bridge, this bridge connects the San Francisco Bay with the East Bay. At seven miles long, it is currently the longest bridge in the San Francisco area and it ranks as among the top 25 longest bridges globally. When they Hayward Bridge was first built in 1929, the Hayward Bridge was only two lanes with a vertical lift span over the shipping channel. In 1967, the bridge was re-made from multiple steel girders and concrete trestle spans.
Oakland Bay Bridge
This unique first of a kind structure is basically a tunnel and two bridges that connect the east side of San Francisco and Oakland. The bridge 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 architectural designer 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 observable to ships in the fog. This is also the first bridge that ever used a safety 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 nick-named 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 hasn't had to shut for repairs due to it. In truth a navy radar vessel and a World War 2 war ship collided with the bridge both on the self 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, because of a design failing 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 assembled and is now referred to as the Senator John A. Nejedly Bridge.
Hayward Bridge
Originally known as the San Francisco Bay Toll Bridge, this bridge connects the San Francisco Bay with the East Bay. At seven miles long, it is currently the longest bridge in the San Francisco area and it ranks as among the top 25 longest bridges globally. When they Hayward Bridge was first built in 1929, the Hayward Bridge was only two lanes with a vertical lift span over the shipping channel. In 1967, the bridge was re-made from multiple steel girders and concrete trestle spans.
Oakland Bay Bridge
This unique first of a kind structure is basically a tunnel and two bridges that connect the east side of San Francisco and Oakland. The bridge 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 architectural designer 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 observable to ships in the fog. This is also the first bridge that ever used a safety 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 nick-named 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 hasn't had to shut for repairs due to it. In truth a navy radar vessel and a World War 2 war ship collided with the bridge both on the self 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, because of a design failing 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 assembled and is now referred to as 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.
