San Francisco - Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Suspension Bridge connects San Francisco with Marin County and other districts further north. It was recently designated the greatest man-made sight in the United States by the U.S. Travel Service. For years it was the symbol of San Francisco, though this distinction is now claimed by the Transamerica Pyramid. The splendid scenery all around makes it the most beautiful bridge in the world.

Opened on May 28th 1937, the bridge took four years to build, the director of the project being Joseph B. Strauss. Construction proved particularly difficult due to the strong cross-currents, and a number of fatal accidents occurred. At the time of its completion it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. On an average day it is used by more than 100,000 cars and lorries. The bridge, flood-lit in the evening, is approximately 2mi/3km long and 90ft/27m wide. The carriageway is 220ft/67m above sea-level and the supporting towers 740ft/225m high.

Every week 25 painters use about two tons of red lead ("International Orange") keeping the paintwork in good condition. Its striking coloring is one more reason why the Golden Gate Bridge is known throughout the world.

Views of the bridge

Of the many places from which good views of the bridge can be obtained, Coit Tower on Telegraph Hill is perhaps the best. But this marvel of civil engineering should also be inspected from close range. Before crossing on foot bear in mind that there is almost always a cool breeze blowing in off the Pacific even when the sun is out, so take warm clothes. They will also be needed if a mist suddenly comes down. Safety measures on the bridge include a wire-netting screen intended to deter anyone contemplating suicide - there have already been 900 - from throwing themselves into the water.

A monument to its builder, Joseph B. Strauss, stands at the end of the bridge. Strauss constructed more than 400 major steel bridges all over the world, including one in St Petersburg.

Keen walkers have the option to proceed on foot all the way from Hyde Street (terminus of cable car 60) via Golden Gate Promenade to the bridge. The distance is over 3mi/5km but it makes an interesting walk.

1987 Jubilee

On May 24th 1987, its 50th anniversary, the Golden Gate Bridge was shut to motor traffic while cyclists and pedestrians enjoyed unfettered access. It is estimated that 250,000 people took advantage of the occasion to assemble on the bridge. In the evening the structure was illuminated throughout its length for the very first time.