Completed in 1937, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge spans 1,280 m between towers with Art Deco detailing and iconic International Orange paint. Chief engineer Joseph Strauss (with Morrow, Ellis, and Ammann contributions) delivered aerodynamic trusses, deep water foundations, and pioneering safety nets—now preserved through constant repainting and seismic upgrades.
Engineer Joseph Strauss led a team including Charles Alton Ellis and consulting engineer Leon Moisseiff. A 2,737 m overall length crosses the strait with two 227 m towers and a 1,280 m main span; stiffening trusses counter wind and traffic loads. Irving and Gertrude Morrow shaped color and streamlined Art Deco details.
Foundations sunk into treacherous currents and tides; spinning machines laid main cables of 27,572 wires each. A safety net saved 19 workers—the “Halfway-to-Hell Club.” The bridge opened in May 1937 after just over four years, instantly becoming a West Coast emblem.
Continuous painting protects steel; a movable median barrier improves safety. Seismic retrofits, wind tunnel testing, and a controversial new wind fairing and railing slat design address aeroelastic flutter. Pedestrian and cycle paths offer sweeping Bay and Pacific views.
