Source: Dollar Rent-A-Car Newsletter (8/3/05)
A Bridge to Remember: Drive a Spectacular Span on Your Next Getaway
Unlike tunnels, most of which are pretty uniform once inside, bridges are one-of-a-kinds. The most breathtaking of bridges are works of art and engineering masterpieces. Whether you're visiting a popular destination or a less traveled one, exploring a city's bridges can lend insight into its psyche and history. Come along for the ride as we explore a few special spans--the Golden Gate Bridge, Mackinac Bridge, Seven Mile Bridge and include a bridge-tunnel system: The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.
Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco/Marin County, California
The 1.7-mile suspension bridge that spans the strait that connects the San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean (known as the Golden Gate) is truly a manmade marvel. The only way to exit San Fran to the north and hit Marin County is via the Golden Gate Bridge (GGB), one of the most famous bridges in the universe. The GGB stands out from the crowd for its combination of beauty and brawn. Indeed, its aesthetic appeal in combination with its brilliant structural design has made it a superstar. Along with being recognized as the most photographed bridge in the world (or at least neck and neck with London's Tower Bridge), the GGB has been declared a modern "Wonder of the World" by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Construction began in 1933 and finished in 1937. And for the next 27 years, the bridge held the distinction of being the longest suspension bridge around. That is until New York's Verrazano Narrows Bridge stole the title, which now belongs to Japan's Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. One of the GGB's most unique features is its unusual color, known as International Orange. The hue was chosen by one of the architects because it works well with the natural surroundings and enhances the bridge's visibility in the fog, which routinely lingers around it. With gorgeous views traveling in both directions, driving over the Golden Gate is exhilarating. Additionally, walking or biking across it is a favorite pastime of visitors and locals alike. Afterwards, treat yourself to a guilt-free Ghiradelli sundae. For details go to http://www.goldengate.org.
Mackinac Bridge
St. Ignace/Mackinaw City, Michigan
With nicknames like Big Mac and Mighty Mac, it's clear that Michigan-ites have a great deal of affection for the Mackinac Bridge, which connects the north end of St. Ignace with the south end of Mackinaw City. Although the seed for building a bridge to span the Straits of Mackinac was planted in the 1880s, the grand suspension bridge didn't come to fruition until the next century--1957 to be exact. Designed by well-respected engineer Dr. David B. Steinman, the bridge is comprised of three separate spans totaling 8,614 feet (including anchorages). Today, the Mackinac Bridge holds the title of longest suspension bridge between anchorages in the Western Hemisphere. The bridge does not have a dedicated pedestrian lane, but every Labor Day, two lanes are closed to traffic in order to welcome eager participants to the Mackinac Bridge Walk. Another bit of trivia of interest to visitors: While traversing the bridge, you can tune into a radio broadcast that provides tidbits and history about the bridge, including the fact that painting it takes seven years. And once completed, the process starts all over again. For more details go to http://www.mackinacbridge.org.
Seven Mile Bridge
Florida Keys
Unless you plan on helicoptering in, the only way to hit Key West is via the Seven Mile Bridge, which actually falls a tad shorter than its name would imply (6.79 miles). The bridge, a box-girder structure made up of 440 pre-cast and pre-stressed concrete sections, connects the Middle and Lower Keys by running over a channel between the Gulf of Mexico and the Florida Strait. Built between 1979 and 1982, the Seven Mile Bridge is not the first span to take up residence here. The old Seven Mile Bridge was completed in 1912 under the aegis of Henry Flagler and the Florida East Coast Railway project. Badly damaged by a hurricane in 1935, it was refurbished and then further damaged in 1960 by Hurricane Donna. Two spans of the old bridge can be seen from the current bridge. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the original is now used as a fishing pier. Also of note is the fact that the Seven Mile Bridge rises in an arc at its center in order to allow for 65-foot-high clearance for boats to pass. With camera-ready looks, it's no surprise that the Seven Mile Bridge has become a favorite of Hollywood. Just a few of the films the bridge has starred in include "License to Kill," "2 Fast 2 Furious," and "True Lies." For more info go to http://www.fla-keys.com.
Chesapeak Bay Bridge-Tunnel.
Virginia Eastern Shore - Norfolk/Hampton Roads
For over 40 years, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel has captured worldwide attention as a modern engineering wonder and an important East Coast travel convenience. Crossing over and under open waters where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, the Bridge-Tunnel provides a direct link between Southeastern Virginia and the Delmarva Peninsula (Delaware plus the Eastern Shore counties in Maryland and Virginia), and cuts 95 miles from the journey between Virginia Beach and points north of Wilmington, Delaware. The Bridge-Tunnel project is a four-lane 20-mile-long vehicular toll crossing of the lower Chesapeake Bay. The facility carries US 13, the main north-south highway on Virginia's Eastern Shore, and provides the only direct link between Virginia's Eastern Shore and south Hampton Roads, Virginia. The crossing consists of a series of low-level trestles interrupted by two approximately one-mile-long tunnels beneath Thimble Shoals and Chesapeake navigation channels. The manmade islands, each approximately 5.25 acres in size, are located at each end of the two tunnels. The four manmade islands offer travelers and birding enthusiasts the opportunity to observe birds and waterfowl that rest there during their fall and spring migrations. There are also high level bridges over two other navigation channels: North Channel Bridge and Fisherman Inlet Bridge. Finally, between North Channel and Fisherman Inlet, the facility crosses at-grade over Fisherman Island, a barrier island which includes the Fisherman Island National Wildlife Refuge administered by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. There are places to eat and fish, scenic lookout points, rest areas, and a souvenir and gift shop. For details go to http://www.cbbt.com/.
Additional Links:
Bridges and Tunnels in New York and New Jersey in the United States
List of Bridges Worldwide By Length (Wikipedia)
Google Directory of Bridges and Tunnels In North America
Copyright 2005 by Timon, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
A Bridge to Remember: Drive a Spectacular Span on Your Next Getaway
Unlike tunnels, most of which are pretty uniform once inside, bridges are one-of-a-kinds. The most breathtaking of bridges are works of art and engineering masterpieces. Whether you're visiting a popular destination or a less traveled one, exploring a city's bridges can lend insight into its psyche and history. Come along for the ride as we explore a few special spans--the Golden Gate Bridge, Mackinac Bridge, Seven Mile Bridge and include a bridge-tunnel system: The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.
Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco/Marin County, California
The 1.7-mile suspension bridge that spans the strait that connects the San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean (known as the Golden Gate) is truly a manmade marvel. The only way to exit San Fran to the north and hit Marin County is via the Golden Gate Bridge (GGB), one of the most famous bridges in the universe. The GGB stands out from the crowd for its combination of beauty and brawn. Indeed, its aesthetic appeal in combination with its brilliant structural design has made it a superstar. Along with being recognized as the most photographed bridge in the world (or at least neck and neck with London's Tower Bridge), the GGB has been declared a modern "Wonder of the World" by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Construction began in 1933 and finished in 1937. And for the next 27 years, the bridge held the distinction of being the longest suspension bridge around. That is until New York's Verrazano Narrows Bridge stole the title, which now belongs to Japan's Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. One of the GGB's most unique features is its unusual color, known as International Orange. The hue was chosen by one of the architects because it works well with the natural surroundings and enhances the bridge's visibility in the fog, which routinely lingers around it. With gorgeous views traveling in both directions, driving over the Golden Gate is exhilarating. Additionally, walking or biking across it is a favorite pastime of visitors and locals alike. Afterwards, treat yourself to a guilt-free Ghiradelli sundae. For details go to http://www.goldengate.org.Mackinac Bridge
St. Ignace/Mackinaw City, Michigan
With nicknames like Big Mac and Mighty Mac, it's clear that Michigan-ites have a great deal of affection for the Mackinac Bridge, which connects the north end of St. Ignace with the south end of Mackinaw City. Although the seed for building a bridge to span the Straits of Mackinac was planted in the 1880s, the grand suspension bridge didn't come to fruition until the next century--1957 to be exact. Designed by well-respected engineer Dr. David B. Steinman, the bridge is comprised of three separate spans totaling 8,614 feet (including anchorages). Today, the Mackinac Bridge holds the title of longest suspension bridge between anchorages in the Western Hemisphere. The bridge does not have a dedicated pedestrian lane, but every Labor Day, two lanes are closed to traffic in order to welcome eager participants to the Mackinac Bridge Walk. Another bit of trivia of interest to visitors: While traversing the bridge, you can tune into a radio broadcast that provides tidbits and history about the bridge, including the fact that painting it takes seven years. And once completed, the process starts all over again. For more details go to http://www.mackinacbridge.org.Seven Mile Bridge
Florida Keys
Unless you plan on helicoptering in, the only way to hit Key West is via the Seven Mile Bridge, which actually falls a tad shorter than its name would imply (6.79 miles). The bridge, a box-girder structure made up of 440 pre-cast and pre-stressed concrete sections, connects the Middle and Lower Keys by running over a channel between the Gulf of Mexico and the Florida Strait. Built between 1979 and 1982, the Seven Mile Bridge is not the first span to take up residence here. The old Seven Mile Bridge was completed in 1912 under the aegis of Henry Flagler and the Florida East Coast Railway project. Badly damaged by a hurricane in 1935, it was refurbished and then further damaged in 1960 by Hurricane Donna. Two spans of the old bridge can be seen from the current bridge. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the original is now used as a fishing pier. Also of note is the fact that the Seven Mile Bridge rises in an arc at its center in order to allow for 65-foot-high clearance for boats to pass. With camera-ready looks, it's no surprise that the Seven Mile Bridge has become a favorite of Hollywood. Just a few of the films the bridge has starred in include "License to Kill," "2 Fast 2 Furious," and "True Lies." For more info go to http://www.fla-keys.com.Chesapeak Bay Bridge-Tunnel.
Virginia Eastern Shore - Norfolk/Hampton Roads
For over 40 years, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel has captured worldwide attention as a modern engineering wonder and an important East Coast travel convenience. Crossing over and under open waters where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, the Bridge-Tunnel provides a direct link between Southeastern Virginia and the Delmarva Peninsula (Delaware plus the Eastern Shore counties in Maryland and Virginia), and cuts 95 miles from the journey between Virginia Beach and points north of Wilmington, Delaware. The Bridge-Tunnel project is a four-lane 20-mile-long vehicular toll crossing of the lower Chesapeake Bay. The facility carries US 13, the main north-south highway on Virginia's Eastern Shore, and provides the only direct link between Virginia's Eastern Shore and south Hampton Roads, Virginia. The crossing consists of a series of low-level trestles interrupted by two approximately one-mile-long tunnels beneath Thimble Shoals and Chesapeake navigation channels. The manmade islands, each approximately 5.25 acres in size, are located at each end of the two tunnels. The four manmade islands offer travelers and birding enthusiasts the opportunity to observe birds and waterfowl that rest there during their fall and spring migrations. There are also high level bridges over two other navigation channels: North Channel Bridge and Fisherman Inlet Bridge. Finally, between North Channel and Fisherman Inlet, the facility crosses at-grade over Fisherman Island, a barrier island which includes the Fisherman Island National Wildlife Refuge administered by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. There are places to eat and fish, scenic lookout points, rest areas, and a souvenir and gift shop. For details go to http://www.cbbt.com/.Additional Links:
Bridges and Tunnels in New York and New Jersey in the United States
List of Bridges Worldwide By Length (Wikipedia)
Google Directory of Bridges and Tunnels In North America
Visit my web site for additional resources and services: http://lawrenceyerkes.com/
or visit http://besthomes-nj.com/ for the latest property listings (residential, commercial, multi-family, farm, land)
or visit http://besthomes-nj.com/ for the latest property listings (residential, commercial, multi-family, farm, land)
Copyright 2005 by Timon, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Lawrence Yerkes
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