There is no doubt that San Francisco bridges are some of the most impressive and elaborate bridges in the United States. Bridges in San Francisco are famous for many different reasons, whether it is for their size or the mark they have made in history. Featured here are a few of the most unique and notable bridges that San Francisco has to offer.
Hayward Bridge
Originally referred to as the San Francisco Bay Toll Bridge, this bridge connects the San Francisco Bay with the East Bay. At 7 miles long, it is presently the longest bridge in the San Francisco area and it ranks as among the top 25 longest bridges in the world. The original Hayward Bridge was built in 1929, the Hayward was only 2 lanes with a vertical lift span over the shipping channel. In 1967, the Hayward was re-made from multiple steel girders and concrete trestle spans.
Oakland Bay Bridge
This unique first of a kind structure is essentially a tunnel plus two bridges 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 part is a two spanned double-decker suspension bridge running 10,304 feet long and connecting San Francisco to Yerba Buena Island. 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 finished 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 the thick cable wire. Most conspicuous though is the orange paint that was used so the Golden Gate Bridge would be visible to ships in the fog. This is also the first bridge that ever tried 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 popularly called 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 thought to be hit by ships but has not had to shut for repairs due to it. Actually a navy radar vessel and a World War II war ship 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 inception it encountered problems, because of a design flaw many ships collide into its narrow opening and in 1970 the lift span ceased working. In 1978 a new steel plate girder bridge was made and is now known as the Senator John A. Nejedly Bridge.
Hayward Bridge
Originally referred to as the San Francisco Bay Toll Bridge, this bridge connects the San Francisco Bay with the East Bay. At 7 miles long, it is presently the longest bridge in the San Francisco area and it ranks as among the top 25 longest bridges in the world. The original Hayward Bridge was built in 1929, the Hayward was only 2 lanes with a vertical lift span over the shipping channel. In 1967, the Hayward was re-made from multiple steel girders and concrete trestle spans.
Oakland Bay Bridge
This unique first of a kind structure is essentially a tunnel plus two bridges 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 part is a two spanned double-decker suspension bridge running 10,304 feet long and connecting San Francisco to Yerba Buena Island. 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 finished 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 the thick cable wire. Most conspicuous though is the orange paint that was used so the Golden Gate Bridge would be visible to ships in the fog. This is also the first bridge that ever tried 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 popularly called 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 thought to be hit by ships but has not had to shut for repairs due to it. Actually a navy radar vessel and a World War II war ship 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 inception it encountered problems, because of a design flaw many ships collide into its narrow opening and in 1970 the lift span ceased working. In 1978 a new steel plate girder bridge was made 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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