Golden Gate Bridge - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans the Golden Gate strait, the entrance to San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean. It connects the city of San Francisco to Marin County.
- 2. The bridge was completed in 1937 and was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time of its completion, with a main span of 4,200 feet.
- 3. The distinctive "International Orange" color of the bridge was chosen to enhance visibility through the thick fog that often shrouds the area. The color is now an iconic symbol of San Francisco.
- 4. The bridge's total length is 8,981 feet, making it one of the longest bridges in the United States. It has a height of 746 feet above the water.
- 5. The Golden Gate Bridge has a total of six lanes for vehicle traffic, with pedestrian walkways on both sides of the bridge. Cyclists are also allowed to use the sidewalks.
- 6. The bridge has a total of 80,000 miles of wire in its main cables, which are made up of over 27,000 individual wires. The cables are anchored in concrete structures at each end of the bridge.
- 7. The Golden Gate Bridge has been designated a California Historical Landmark and a National Historic Landmark. It is considered one of the most beautiful and iconic bridges in the world.
- 8. The bridge has a famous suicide prevention barrier, known as the "suicide net," which was installed in 2019 to deter individuals from jumping off the bridge. Before the net was installed, the Golden Gate Bridge had one of the highest suicide rates of any structure in the world.
- 9. The bridge has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and works of art, and is a popular tourist attraction in San Francisco. It is also a key transportation link for commuters traveling between San Francisco and Marin County.
- 10. The Golden Gate Bridge is maintained and operated by the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District, which is responsible for overseeing the bridge's maintenance, toll collection, and security. The bridge is a symbol of innovation and engineering excellence, and continues to be a beloved landmark in the San Francisco Bay Area.