There's no doubt that San Francisco bridges are examples of the most impressive and intricate bridges in the US. Bridges in San Francisco are famous for many alternative reasons, whether it is for their size or the mark they have made in history. Here's a few of the most unique and important bridges that San Francisco has to show off.
Hayward Bridge
Originally known 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 at present the longest bridge in the San Fran area and it ranks as amongst the top 25 longest bridges on the planet. When the Hayward Bridge was initially built in 1929, the Hayward Bridge was only two lanes with a vertical lift span over the shipping channel. In 1967, the Hayward was remodeled from multiple steel girders and concrete trestle spans.
Oakland Bay Bridge
This unique first of a kind structure is essentially two bridges and a tunnel that connect the east 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 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 done in 1937 setting the standard for future bridges. The overall weight of the bridge is supported by two main cables, with each of the cables having 27,572 wires, equaling 80,000 miles of the thick cable wire. Most noticeable though is the orange paint that was painted on the bridge so the bridge would be visible to ships in the thick San Fran fog. This is also the first bridge that ever tried a safety net for the safety of the employees during construction.
Richmond San Rafael Bridge
This smashing 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. Notwithstanding it having a clearance of 185 feet this bridge has been known to be hit by ships but has not had to close down 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 exact same day.
Antioch Bridge
The original 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 was problematic, due to 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 constructed and is now called the Senator John A. Nejedly Bridge.
Hayward Bridge
Originally known 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 at present the longest bridge in the San Fran area and it ranks as amongst the top 25 longest bridges on the planet. When the Hayward Bridge was initially built in 1929, the Hayward Bridge was only two lanes with a vertical lift span over the shipping channel. In 1967, the Hayward was remodeled from multiple steel girders and concrete trestle spans.
Oakland Bay Bridge
This unique first of a kind structure is essentially two bridges and a tunnel that connect the east 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 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 done in 1937 setting the standard for future bridges. The overall weight of the bridge is supported by two main cables, with each of the cables having 27,572 wires, equaling 80,000 miles of the thick cable wire. Most noticeable though is the orange paint that was painted on the bridge so the bridge would be visible to ships in the thick San Fran fog. This is also the first bridge that ever tried a safety net for the safety of the employees during construction.
Richmond San Rafael Bridge
This smashing 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. Notwithstanding it having a clearance of 185 feet this bridge has been known to be hit by ships but has not had to close down 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 exact same day.
Antioch Bridge
The original 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 was problematic, due to 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 constructed and is now called 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.
