The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most iconic structures in the United States, known for its distinctive orange color and stunning views of the San Francisco Bay. But did you know that the construction of this famous bridge was not an easy feat? Here are 5 fascinating facts about the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge that you probably didn’t know.
The Location was Challenging
Building a bridge across the Golden Gate Strait was no easy task. The deep, turbulent waters and strong currents made it a difficult location for construction. In addition, the strong winds and thick fog in the area also posed a challenge for workers. However, despite these challenges, the builders of the Golden Gate Bridge persevered and completed the project on time.
It was the Longest Suspension Bridge of its Time
When the Golden Gate Bridge was completed in 1937, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world at 4,200 feet. It held this title until 1964 when the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge in New York City surpassed it in length. Today, the Golden Gate Bridge is still considered one of the longest suspension bridges in the world and remains a top tourist attraction.
Many Lives were Lost During Construction
The construction of the Golden Gate Bridge was a dangerous project, and sadly, many lives were lost during its creation. A total of 11 men lost their lives during construction, with 10 of them falling to their deaths. This tragedy led to better safety measures being implemented on future bridge projects.
It was Completed Ahead of Schedule
The original construction deadline for the Golden Gate Bridge was four years; however, it was completed in just over three years. This was an impressive feat considering the challenging location and difficulties that came with constructing such a large bridge. The project was also completed under budget, with a cost of $27 million instead of the projected $35 million.
It Took Over 10 Years to Paint
The Golden Gate Bridge is painted with a unique orange-red color known as “International Orange.” This color was chosen for its visibility in the foggy bay area and has become an iconic feature of the bridge. However, it takes a lot of work to maintain this color. The bridge is continuously being painted, and the entire process takes over 10 years to complete.
As you can see, the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge was no easy task, but it has become a symbol of strength and perseverance. This iconic bridge continues to attract tourists from all over the world, and its legacy lives on as one of the greatest engineering achievements in the United States.
Are there any other interesting facts about the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge that you know of? Share them in the comments below.
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