There is no question that San Francisco bridges are some of the most spectacular and complicated bridges in the United States. Bridges in San Francisco are known for many different reasons, whether it is for their size or the mark they have made in history. Here is a few of the most unique and important 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 about seven miles long, it is presently the longest bridge in San Francisco and it ranks as amongst the top 25 longest bridges on the planet. The original bridge was 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 concrete trestle spans and steel girders.
Oakland Bay Bridge
The first of its kind, the Oakland Bay Bridge is basically a tunnel plus two bridges that connect the eastern side of San Francisco and the west side of Oakland. The Oakoland Bay Bridge was designed by Charles Purcell with construction kicked off in 1933 and opening in 1936. The first bridge is a two spanned double-decker suspension bridge running 10,304 feet long and connecting Yerba Buena to 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 completed in 1937 setting the standard for future bridges. The total weight of the bridge is supported by two main cables, with each of the cables 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 visible to ships in the thick San Fran fog. The Golden Gate os 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. 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. In truth a navy radar vessel and a World War Two battleship collided with the bridge both on the same day.
Antioch Bridge
The original 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 was problematic, because of a design failing 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 known as 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 about seven miles long, it is presently the longest bridge in San Francisco and it ranks as amongst the top 25 longest bridges on the planet. The original bridge was 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 concrete trestle spans and steel girders.
Oakland Bay Bridge
The first of its kind, the Oakland Bay Bridge is basically a tunnel plus two bridges that connect the eastern side of San Francisco and the west side of Oakland. The Oakoland Bay Bridge was designed by Charles Purcell with construction kicked off in 1933 and opening in 1936. The first bridge is a two spanned double-decker suspension bridge running 10,304 feet long and connecting Yerba Buena to 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 completed in 1937 setting the standard for future bridges. The total weight of the bridge is supported by two main cables, with each of the cables 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 visible to ships in the thick San Fran fog. The Golden Gate os 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. 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. In truth a navy radar vessel and a World War Two battleship collided with the bridge both on the same day.
Antioch Bridge
The original 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 was problematic, because of a design failing 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 known 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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