The second most recognizable architectural structure in the United States after the legendary Statue of Liberty is the Golden Gate Bridge. It serves as a connection between the city of San Francisco and the Marin Peninsula over the eponymous Golden Gate. You can safely call it the front gate of the city.
The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is considered the main symbol and calling card. The bridge is almost invisible from the city itself. And to enjoy a stunningly beautiful picture, you need to go to him early in the morning.
The idea of building a suspension bridge was proposed by engineer Joseph Strauss. They became interested in his project, although few believed that such a bridge could even be built. Joseph, along with his companion Irving Morrow, with drawings and mathematical calculations in their hands, applied to various organizations, trying to prove the possibility of building such a structure. Only in 1933 did the new President of America, F. Roosevelt, show interest in the project, and the construction of a bridge across the wide strait began.
Construction was in very difficult conditions. Winds, waves, frequent fogs interfered with the erectionsupports, stretching of wire ropes, installation of bridge spans. Not without accidents.
For 4 years, the construction was completely completed, and the bridge was ready for use. All of its metal structures were covered with a special orange-red paint with an anti-corrosion effect, which makes it really look like gold. Until now, the state of the bridge has been tirelessly monitored, its parts affected by corrosion are being repaired, and supports and other parts exposed to humid sea air are constantly being tinted.
In 1937, May 27, the Golden Gate Bridge becomes available for movement. On the day of the grand opening, E. Roosevelt drove through it in a limousine, and more than 200 thousand pedestrians walked. It was not until the next day that traffic was opened for cars.
Golden Gate Bridge is 1970 m long and 1280 m wide. The height of its metal supports is 230 m, which creates an unhindered passage for ships that constantly come to the city of fogs. It has 6 lanes for vehicular traffic, bike paths and paths for pedestrians. Amazing views of the city and the bay open from the observation platforms, and if you look down, through the thick fog and clouds, you get an extraordinary feeling of flying or soaring.
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of San Francisco's most important transportation routes. Today it is able to pass more than 100 thousand cars.daily, but their speed should not exceed 72 km / h. Ambulances and pedestrians can cross the bridge for free, but motorists will have to pay a toll.
An interesting sad fact is that a short time after the construction of the bridge was completed, the first suicide attempt took place on it. Since then, the number of people trying to end their lives with this grandiose and world-famous building has skyrocketed.
The Golden Gate Bridge in the city of San Francisco is recognized as a brilliant engineering creation, because it is no coincidence that it is considered a wonder of the world created by human hands.
