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The Bay Bridge, A Closer Look
Today we look at some interesting facts about San Francisco's 'Other Bridge.' The Bay Bridge was built at the same time as the Golden Gate Bridge opening one year earlier. It was completed two months ahead of schedule and at that time was the longest bridge ever built (eight and a quarter miles) and the most expense structure of any kind ever built. At its opening in 1936 it was blessed by Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli who would later become Pope Pius XII.

The Bay Bridge is actually three bridges in one; two suspension bridges and a third truss-cantilever bridge. Connecting the east and west spans at Yerba Buena Island is the world’s largest-diameter bore tunnel, measuring 76-feet wide, and reaching the height of a four-story building. The bridge was built with two decks. Originally trains and trucks ran on the lower deck and automobiles used the top deck, but in 1958 the trains were replaced by buses and the rail tracks were removed.

Construction of the Bay Bridge cost the lives of 24 workmen and resulted in another 1,150 injured. The Bay Bridge has been hit twice by airplanes in 1942 and 1968, both times by U.S. Navy aircraft. In heavy winds the bridge is designed to sway up to 27 and a half feet. A replacement to the Eastern span of the bridge is currently under construction will feature bicycle lanes separated from the motor traffic.

TRIVIA QUESTION: What is the official name of the Bay Bridge?
ANSWER

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