The iconic Golden Gate Bridge is a symbol of American ingenuity and resolve. This architectural marvel, constructed during the Great Depression, has been an object of admiration among tourists worldwide. In this guide, we share with you 15 facts about the landmark bridge.
See also: Tower Bridge: Grade I listed, neo-Gothic designed bridge in London
Golden Gate Bridge: Key Facts
| Construction start date | January 5, 1933 |
| Completion | April 19, 1937 |
| Length | 1.7 mile (8,981 feet or 2,737 metres) |
| Length of suspension span, including main span and the sides | 1.2 mile (6,450 feet or 1,966 metres) |
| Width | 90 feet (27 metres) |
| Clearance above high water | 220 feet (67 metres) |
| Total weight of each anchorage | 60,000 tonne (54,400,000 kg) |
| Current traffic | 40 million vehicles per year |
How long did it take to build the Golden Gate Bridge?
The construction of the Golden Gate Bridge took a total of 1,604 days or a little over 4 years. Work began on January 5, 1933. The bridge opened to vehicular traffic on May 28, 1937.
Why was the bridge given its name?
The bridge’s name comes from the Golden Gate, a strait that links San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean. On July 1, 1846, two years before the discovery of gold in California, a US Army Captain, John Fremont, described the strait as the “golden gate to trade with the Orient”.
Know about: cable-stayed bridges.
What type of bridge is the Golden Gate?
The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge. Hence, its path is suspended from two or more cables, passing over towers and securely anchored at the ends.
Most photographed in the world
It is reportedly the most photographed bridge in the world.
What is the colour of the bridge?
Even though it has a bright red exterior, the colour of the Golden Gate Bridge is known as ‘international orange’. It was originally meant to act as a primer; however, it was kept as the main colour at the insistence of the consulting architect, Irving F. Morrow. This was contrary to the demand of the US military who wanted it to be painted blue and yellow. Morrow selected the colour ‘because it blends well with the span’s natural setting as it is a warm colour, consistent with the warm colours of the land masses in the setting, distinct from the cool colours of the sky and sea’. The colour provided enhanced visibility for passing ships.
To maintain its sheen and strength, the bridge is painted continuously. The paint applied to the bridge’s steel protects it from the high salt content in the air, which could cause the steel to corrode or rust.
Does the Golden Gate Bridge have the world’s longest suspension span?
At the time of its launch, the Golden Gate Bridge had the longest suspension span. However, currently, the Humber Bridge in England has the longest suspension span of 4,626 feet.
How many people died during its construction?
A total of 11 workers lost their lives while constructing the Golden Gate Bridge. However, the end-to-end safety net suspended under the floor of the bridge saved the lives of 19 men, earning it the nickname, ‘Halfway to Hell Club’.
What is the speed limit on the Golden Gate Bridge?
The original speed limit was 55 miles per hour (mph), which was reduced to 45 mph on October 1, 1983, to reduce the potential for critical accidents.
What is the annual traffic on the bridge?
In 2020, the Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District estimated that 32,470,000 vehicles crossed the iconic bridge, resulting in a toll revenue of about US$ 125,401,000. Since its opening in 1937, an estimated 2,241,603,474 vehicles have passed over the Golden Gate Bridge.
What are the current toll rates at the bridge?
Commuters must pay the following toll to cross the Golden Gate Bridge:
- Pay by plate: US$ 8.60
- FasTrak: US$ 8.05
- Toll invoice rate: US$ 9.05
- Carpool rate: US$ 6.05
Unaffected by the Loma Prieta Earthquake
During the evening commute on October 17, 1989, the Loma Prieta Earthquake jarred the Bay Area with a force measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale. The Golden Gate Bridge withstood the most devastating quake to strike the Bay Area since 1906.
What would it cost to build the Golden Gate Bridge today?
The cost to construct a new Golden Gate Bridge would be approximately US$ 1.64 billion.
Can I visit the bridge as a tourist?
Yes, you can visit the Golden Gate Bridge as a tourist. You can shop at the Bridge’s Welcome Centre, which offers merchandise and historical information. Open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, the Welcome Centre opens to visitors, provides orientation and information services, houses exhibits and offers commemorative and interpretive merchandise.
Can I scatter the ashes of a loved one from the Golden Gate Bridge?
No. Under the California Penal Code Section 219.3, those who wilfully drop or throw an object from any toll bridge are guilty of a misdemeanour.
FAQs
Is the Golden Gate Bridge in New York?
No, the Golden Gate Bridge runs over the Golden Gate, a 1.6-km strait, which connects the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, carrying both the US Route 101 and the California State Route 1 across the Golden Gate strait.
Why is it called Golden Gate?
The bridge earned its name from the Golden Gate, a 1.6-km strait over which it runs.
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Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
