The Design For The Modern Suspension Bridges Was Developed In The 1800’S

A suspension bridge is a bridge with its deck supported by large cables hung from towers. The most popular such bridges are the Golden Gate Bridge and the George Washington Bridge. The first known suspension bridges date back to 100 B.C. 

The design for the modern suspension bridges was developed in the 1800’s. The Menai and Conwy suspension bridges opened in 1826 in North Wales. The Hammersmith in London followed close behind in 1827.

The suspension bridge is the only type possible to use for long spans because the cables that hold the bridge in place can hold an unbelievable amount of weight. These cables are anchored at each end of the bridge. The main cables are attached to the deck level supports.

Anchors connect the cables underground.The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is the best known suspension bridge in the world. It is know for its capabilities as well as appearance. It spans from the San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean. This bridge was built in 1937. It is the second largest suspension bridge in the United Stated. The largest bridge in the United States is the Verrazano-Narrows bridge in New York City. The center span of the Golden Gate Bridge was the longest in the world until the design of the Verrazano-Narrows.
 
The Golden Gate Bridge cost $35 million to build. It was one of the first bridge projects to instill a safety net below it for construction workers. 11 men were killed during the building of the bridge. 19 others were saved by falling onto the safety net. 10 of the 11 deaths happened at the same time. A scaffold fell and the net failed to work. The 19 workers who’s lives were saved formed unique group called the Halfway to Hell Club.

The design of the Golden Gate Bridge has withstood the test of time and the elements. The bridge has only been closed 3 times due to severe wind conditions. This took place in 1951, 1981, and 1983. Today, over 100,000 vehicles travel across every day.