Golden Gate Bridge facts and comparisons
The Golden Gate Bridge’s scale is horizontal and vertical at once: its long deck and cables are anchored by two very tall towers above the water.
Golden Gate Bridge size comparisons
The bridge is 8,981 feet, or 2,737 metres, long including approaches.
The 1.7-mile figure is the complete abutment-to-abutment length, so it should not be confused with the main suspended span alone.
Source: Golden Gate Bridge District
Its towers stand 746 feet, or 227 metres, above the water.
Their height is what gives the bridge its instantly recognizable vertical profile across the Golden Gate strait.
Source: Golden Gate Bridge District
The deck has 220 feet of clearance above mean higher high water.
The tidal datum is part of the measurement, which makes this a navigation clearance rather than a generic distance to the sea.
Source: Golden Gate Bridge District
Two main cables pass over the tops of the 746-foot towers.
That cable-and-tower system is the structural reason a suspended bridge can carry its deck across such a wide water crossing.
Source: Golden Gate Bridge District
Official construction began in January 1933.
The project’s early work included extremely challenging tower-pier construction in the water and on the surrounding headlands.
Source: Golden Gate Bridge District
It connects San Francisco with Marin County.
That transport role is why the bridge should be described as active regional infrastructure as well as a visual landmark.
Source: Golden Gate Bridge District
