Gateway to the Pacific
The Golden Gate Bridge, completed in 1937, spans the Golden Gate Strait, a vital shipping channel connecting San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean.
Engineering Marvel Unveiled
Joseph Strauss's initial design was refined by Leon Moisseiff, applying deflection theory to create the bridge's graceful suspension form.
Safety Innovations Pioneered
The bridge's construction introduced groundbreaking safety measures, including hard hats and safety nets, significantly reducing worker fatalities.
Iconic Color Selected
The bridge's color, International Orange, was chosen for visibility in fog and its aesthetic harmony with the surrounding landscape.
A Constant Paint Job
Painting the bridge is a continuous task due to the corrosive marine environment. The paint protects the steel from salt air and prolongs the structure's life.
Innovative Maintenance Plan
Rather than a start-to-finish approach, painting is performed in a perpetual cycle, addressing the most critical areas first to ensure lasting protection.
Painting Facts Uncovered
Surprisingly, the bridge is not repainted end-to-end. Crews touch up the 10,000 gallons of paint annually, focusing on areas degraded by weather and wear.Lifesaving Safety Net
The safety net installed during construction saved 19 workers, who called themselves the 'Halfway to Hell Club'.
What does the Golden Gate Bridge span?
San Francisco Bay
Golden Gate Strait
Pacific Ocean directly
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