skyway bridge - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Location: The Skyway Bridge is located in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, connecting St. Petersburg and Terra Ceia.
- 2. Length: The total length of the bridge is approximately 4 miles, making it one of the longest bridges in Florida.
- 3. Construction: The original Skyway Bridge was completed in 1954, but was replaced with the current bridge in 1987 after a tragic accident.
- 4. Accident: In 1980, a freighter collided with the bridge during a severe storm, causing a section of the bridge to collapse and several vehicles to fall into the water. 35 people lost their lives in the accident.
- 5. Design: The current Skyway Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge, with a main span of 1,200 feet and a clearance height of 175 feet above the water.
- 6. Toll: There is a toll to cross the Skyway Bridge, which is collected at the toll plaza on the St. Petersburg side of the bridge.
- 7. Fishing Pier: The Skyway Bridge is also home to a popular fishing pier, located on the southbound side of the bridge. The pier is a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike to fish for a variety of species.
- 8. Views: The Skyway Bridge offers stunning views of the surrounding Tampa Bay area, including downtown St. Petersburg, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
- 9. Wildlife: The waters surrounding the Skyway Bridge are home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins, manatees, and a wide array of bird species.
- 10. Events: The Skyway Bridge is the site of several annual events, including the Skyway 10K race, which allows participants to run across the bridge and raise money for charity.