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Since the dawn of man, the primary function bridges have performed is to connect us to one another. At what point did they become more than that? Today, where form doesn’t always follow function, design is everything. As a matter of fact, the original design of the Golden Gate looks nothing like the one we see today. After receiving awful feedback from the local press, architect Joseph Strauss changed his original design for a more traditional suspension bridge. The following is based on a poster series of the 10 most iconic bridges in the United States from Geotab.
Golden Gate Bridge
Photo: Rich Niewiroski Jr.
The strikingly colorful steel and distinctive Art Deco touches make the Golden Gate Bridge one of the most recognized landmarks in the world. Architect Irving Morrow pushed for the suspension bridge’s vivid shade of international orange, not only to contrast with the blue of the Pacific Ocean, but to also make it visible in the dense, gray fog that rolls across the Golden Gate strait almost daily. Heavier than the Empire State Building, the Golden Gate Bridge is held together by 1.2 million steel rivets and was once the world’s longest suspension bridge. Celebrations went on for a week after it opened, and today the structure is one of San Francisco’s most popular tourist attractions.
Architect: Irving Morrow
Built: 1933-1937
Height: 746 ft
Length: 8,981 ft
Date opened: May 27, 1937
Location: San Francisco, Calif.
Daily traffic: 112,000 vehicles
Chesapeake Bay Bridge
Photo: Gary Hymes
Often referred to as one of the scariest bridges in the world, this dual-span steel suspension bridge snakes across the Chesapeake Bay for just over four miles. Built in 1952 to connect a stretch that previously had to be traveled by ferry, the bridge’s five lanes of traffic can be adjusted to ease congestion. The structure’s height, gentle inclines and curves reveal an expansive view of the Bay on either side, and the minimalist design is striking when seen from a viewpoint like Sandy Point State Park. However, you’ll want to keep your eyes on the road when crossing this bridge, as its low guard rails, narrow span, and see-through railings leave some drivers feeling exposed. But if you get cold feet, don’t worry: There’s...