There is no question that San Francisco bridges are examples of the most spectacular and intricate bridges in the United States. Bridges in San Francisco are known for many various reasons, whether or not it is for their size or the mark they have made in history. Here's a few of the most unusual and outstanding bridges that San Francisco has to offer.
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 7 miles long, it is presently the longest bridge in the bay area and it ranks as amongst the top 25 longest bridges globally. The original bridge was built in 1929, the Hayward was just two lanes with a vertical lift span over the shipping channel. In 1967, the Hayward was remodeled from concrete trestle spans and steel girders.
Oakland Bay Bridge
The first of its kind, the Oakland Bay Bridge is essentially a tunnel plus two bridges that connect the east side of San Francisco and the west side of 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 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 Joseph Strauss and was done 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 conspicuous though is the orange paint that was painted on the bridge so the bridge would be visible to ships in the thick San Francisco fog. The Golden Gate os also the first bridge that ever used a security net for the safety of the employees during construction.
Richmond San Rafael Bridge
This wonderful 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 hasn't had to close for repairs due to it. In fact a navy radar vessel and a World War II war ship collided with the bridge both on the same day.
Antioch Bridge
The first 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 had problems, due 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 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 7 miles long, it is presently the longest bridge in the bay area and it ranks as amongst the top 25 longest bridges globally. The original bridge was built in 1929, the Hayward was just two lanes with a vertical lift span over the shipping channel. In 1967, the Hayward was remodeled from concrete trestle spans and steel girders.
Oakland Bay Bridge
The first of its kind, the Oakland Bay Bridge is essentially a tunnel plus two bridges that connect the east side of San Francisco and the west side of 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 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 Joseph Strauss and was done 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 conspicuous though is the orange paint that was painted on the bridge so the bridge would be visible to ships in the thick San Francisco fog. The Golden Gate os also the first bridge that ever used a security net for the safety of the employees during construction.
Richmond San Rafael Bridge
This wonderful 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 hasn't had to close for repairs due to it. In fact a navy radar vessel and a World War II war ship collided with the bridge both on the same day.
Antioch Bridge
The first 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 had problems, due 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 known as the Senator John A. Nejedly Bridge.
About the Author:
John Feyd has had an interest in San francisco bridges for many years. He has written op-eds and editorial pieces for many online publications. For full information, please feel free to visit his site.
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