Golden Gate Bridge
Before the steel towers rose, a 20-minute boat ride across the strait cost $1.00 per vehicle in 1936. The Golden Gate Ferry Company operated this service from the Hyde Street Pier to Sausalito Ferry Terminal until the bridge opened. In 1867, the Sausalito Land and Ferry Company began operations, eventually merging with Southern Pacific Railroad in 1929. Experts warned that strong swirling tides and frequent blinding fogs made construction impossible. Joseph Strauss proposed a design costing $17 million, far less than the $100 million estimate by San Francisco's City Engineer in 1916. The Department of War opposed the project due to concerns about ship traffic interference. The US Navy feared sabotage could block one of its main harbors. A lawsuit filed by Southern Pacific Railroad led to a mass boycott of the ferry service. The name Golden Gate became official when the state legislature passed the Bridge and Highway District Act in 1923.
Joseph Strauss served as chief engineer but lacked experience with cable-suspension designs. Leon Moisseiff conceived the final suspension design using deflection theory. Irving Morrow selected the International Orange color after winning out over black and yellow stripes suggested by the Navy. Charles Ellis performed principal engineering work remotely while collaborating with Moisseiff. Ellis wrote ten volumes of hand calculations despite being fired by Strauss in November 1931. He continued working unpaid for twelve years during the Great Depression. Strauss downplayed contributions from his collaborators throughout his lifetime. In May 2007, the district issued a formal report giving Ellis major credit for the bridge's design. Clifford Paine replaced Ellis after Strauss claimed he wasted money sending telegrams back and forth. The bridge towers feature Art Deco elements designed by Morrow including tower decorations and streetlights. An original rivet replaced during seismic retrofitting shows how 1.2 million steel rivets hold the two towers together today.
Construction began on the 5th of January 1933 under McClintic-Marshall Construction Company. Nineteen men survived falls thanks to movable safety nets beneath workers forming the Half Way to Hell Club. Eleven workers died in falls including ten who fell when a scaffold broke through the net on the 17th of February 1937. Two survivors emerged from that incident into cold water below. The project cost more than $35 million and finished ahead of schedule saving $1.3 million. Joseph Strauss placed a brick from McMicken Hall inside the south anchorage before concrete poured. Alfred Finnila oversaw all iron work and half the road work during construction. The Round House Café opened in 1938 as an Art Deco diner adjacent to the tourist plaza. It served as a starting point for commercial tours until renovation removed its gift shop function in 2012. The bridge carried about 112,000 vehicles per day according to district records. A total of 27,572 wire strands make up each main cable spanning the strait.
The Golden Gate Bridge District received approval for a $30 million bond measure in November 1930. Amadeo Giannini's Bank of America purchased the entire issue in 1932 helping local economy after Wall Street Crash. The last construction bonds retired in 1971 with nearly $39 million raised entirely from tolls. Initial toll was 50 cents per car when the bridge opened in May 1937. Rates dropped to 40 cents in 1950 then 25 cents in 1955. In 1968 collection shifted to southbound traffic only resetting toll back to 50 cents. FasTrak electronic system began accepting payments in 2002 charging $4 for users versus $5 cash payers. By March 2019 annual increases reached 35 cents through 2023 except for license plate program increasing 20 cents yearly. Current passenger car toll stands at $10.00 while FasTrak users pay $9.75 as of January 2024. A corporate sponsorship proposal failed in October 2007 leading to further toll hikes instead.
A windstorm on the 1st of December 1951 revealed swaying instabilities causing temporary closure. Lateral and diagonal bracing added between 1953 and 1954 stiffened deck against twisting forces destroying Tacoma Narrows Bridge in 1940. Original concrete deck replaced from 1982 to 1986 with lighter steel orthotropic panels costing over $68 million. The roadway widened two feet resulting in outside curb lane width of 11 feet. Movable median barrier completed the 11th of January 2015 following longest traffic closure history lasting 45.5 hours. Installation cost approximately $30.3 million including zipper trucks. New railing slats installed starting 2019 produce humming noise described as eerie shrill screeching sound by residents. Fix involving 12,000 U-shaped clips with rubber dampers approved the 16th of December 2021 expected completion in 2025 reducing noise by 75%. Seismic retrofit program initiated at $392 million improves structure ability withstand earthquakes triggering minimal damage only. Former elevated approach Doyle Drive demolished April 27-30, 2012 replaced by Presidio Parkway opened July 9-12, 2015.
Frommer's travel guide describes bridge possibly most beautiful certainly most photographed bridge world. Opening celebration the 27th of May 1937 lasted one week allowing 200,000 people cross foot or roller skates before vehicle traffic allowed. Donald Bryan student sprinter first make end-to-end crossing from San Francisco Junior College. Mayor Angelo Rossi rode ferry then crossed motorcade past three ceremonial barriers including beauty queen blockade requiring Strauss present bridge Highway District. Official song There's Silver Moon Golden Gate chosen commemorate event while Strauss poem Mighty Task Done now displayed on structure. Franklin D Roosevelt pushed button Washington DC noon signaling official start vehicle traffic next day. Bridge designated part U.S. Bicycle Route 95 in 2021 after walkways added railings separating pedestrians cyclists roadways 2003 prevent falls into roadway. Visitor center renamed Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center opened 2012 adjacent southeast parking lot cafe outdoor exhibits restroom facilities nearby. H. Dana Bower Rest Area Vista Point accessible northbound lanes Marin side named first landscape architect California Division Highways. Three cetacean species whales absent area many years shown recoveries recolonizations vicinity bridge researchers encourage stronger protections recommend public watch land local whale watching operator.
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Common questions
When did the Golden Gate Bridge open to vehicle traffic?
The Golden Gate Bridge opened to vehicle traffic on the 28th of May 1937 after Franklin D Roosevelt pushed a button in Washington DC. The opening celebration lasted one week allowing 200,000 people to cross on foot or roller skates before vehicles were permitted.
Who designed the color International Orange for the Golden Gate Bridge?
Irving Morrow selected the International Orange color after winning out over black and yellow stripes suggested by the Navy. The bridge towers feature Art Deco elements designed by Morrow including tower decorations and streetlights.
How many workers died during the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge?
Eleven workers died in falls including ten who fell when a scaffold broke through the net on the 17th of February 1937. Nineteen men survived falls thanks to movable safety nets beneath workers forming the Half Way to Hell Club.
What is the current toll price for passenger cars using the Golden Gate Bridge as of January 2024?
Current passenger car toll stands at $10.00 while FasTrak users pay $9.75 as of January 2024. Initial toll was 50 cents per car when the bridge opened in May 1937 and rates have changed multiple times since then.
When did the suicide prevention nets installation for the Golden Gate Bridge complete?
Construction first estimated four years costing over $200 million completed January 2024 exceeding budget by $17 million. Implementation of suicide prevention barriers began April 2017 after estimated more than 2,000 deaths occurred previously.