This past week, the Bay Bridge has been closed in order to connect the new east span portion that will open on Tuesday. The Bay Bridge is getting a makeover as a result of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, that caused the upper deck to collapse, exposing a weak point in its structural design. The original bridge began construction during the Great Depression in 1933, and opened in 1936 (fun fact: six months before the Golden Gate Bridge). The eight-mile bridge was the largest and most expensive bridge during the time, and was considered a "man-made wonder." What's crazy is how many people cross this bridge every day... an average of 280,000 people!
In honor of this famous bridge, here are a few historical photos:
And here is the new east span, running parallel to the original.
It's amazing what humans are capable of building. The pictures of the men at the very top of the bridge give me slight anxiety!
Love this post and these photos. My roommate and I have been trying to find time to go for a run on the new east span of the bridge. I'll be sure to post about it once we finally find the time!
ReplyDeleteMegan
http://talesforscout.blogspot.com/
Yes, please do! I have only driven over the bridge once several years back, but I kind of want to drive all the way up there just to check out the new design.
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