Golden Gate Bridge: Why It’s Painted International Orange скачать в хорошем качестве

Golden Gate Bridge: Why It’s Painted International Orange

Article in English: https://wikiusa.org/en/golden-gate-br... The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most recognized landmarks in the world, connecting San Francisco to Marin County and carrying U.S. Route 101 and California State Route 1 over the Golden Gate Strait. Since its opening in 1937, more than two billion vehicles have crossed it, making it both a critical transportation link and an enduring symbol of the United States. This video dives deep into the bridge’s history, construction, engineering details, and essential visitor information, providing you with everything you need to know before you visit. Spanning 2,737 meters (8,981 feet) in length, rising 227 meters (746 feet) from the water to the top of its towers, and measuring 27 meters (90 feet) wide, the Golden Gate Bridge was a record-breaking achievement when completed. Construction began on January 5, 1933, after nearly a decade of planning and fundraising led by chief engineer Joseph B. Strauss. The total cost was $27 million at the time—over $507 million in 2025 dollars. Originally planned to be painted gray or black, the bridge’s now-iconic International Orange color (closest to Pantone 173) was chosen for its visibility in the Bay Area’s famous fog and its ability to blend naturally with the surrounding hills and ocean. Before the bridge, ferries were the only way to cross the strait, operating since the 1820s, with regular service starting in the 1840s to transport drinking water to San Francisco. The Golden Gate Bridge faced its first major test even before completion: in June 1935, the south tower swayed almost five meters during an earthquake without sustaining structural damage. Safety innovations made it one of the safest large-scale construction projects of its era. Safety nets saved 19 workers’ lives, resulting in only 11 fatalities—far fewer than the 35 deaths expected at the time. The bridge opened to pedestrians on May 27, 1937, when 200,000 people crossed in a single day. The following day, vehicles began using the bridge with a toll of 50 cents per car, plus 5 cents for more than three passengers—about $10.89 in today’s value. Today, the bridge averages 112,000 vehicle crossings per day and operates as a fully cashless toll facility. As of July 1, 2025, tolls are $9.75 with FasTrak, $10.00 pay-as-you-go, $10.75 by invoice, and $7.75 for carpools during weekday peak hours. Maintenance is a constant effort to protect the bridge from corrosion and wear. A dedicated crew of 38 painters, 5 painter laborers, a chief painter, and 16 ironworkers work year-round to repaint, repair, and replace steel components. The bridge is also equipped with emergency counseling phones to help prevent suicides, and its maintenance crews—nicknamed “cowboys of the sky”—have rescued people in crisis. The Golden Gate Bridge has been recognized globally for its design and cultural impact. In 1994, the American Society of Civil Engineers named it one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, and it ranks among the greatest construction achievements of the 20th century. Whether you’re planning a visit or simply fascinated by iconic infrastructure, this video offers the complete story behind the world’s most photographed bridge. Music: bensound.com License code: 5NFRMK3IL6CIKXX4 Artist: : Benjamin Tissot