In 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge emerged as an engineering marvel, setting world records for the longest bridge span (4,200 ft) and the tallest towers. Despite being commonly associated with the Gold Rush, its name originates from the Golden Gate Strait, coursing beneath it. Unbeknownst to many, the bay’s deepest point lies beneath the iconic structure, reaching 372 ft.
Donald Bryan, hailing from San Francisco Junior College, became the inaugural individual to traverse the entire span. Carmen Perez and her sister Minnie achieved the distinction of being the initial individuals to roller-skate across. Florentine Calegari accomplished the feat of being the first person to traverse the bridge on stilts, successfully completing the journey in both directions. John V.
Constructed with ground-breaking techniques, the bridge employed the “inverted caisson” method, utilizing massive concrete structures floated to the site and sunk into place. The forces on the bridge are counteracted by sturdy concrete foundations extending into bedrock, showcasing the resilience required against relentless winds, fog, and tides during its four-year construction.
A testament to its significance, the Golden Gate Bridge is now recognized as one of the seven wonders of the modern world. Once deemed “the bridge that couldn’t be built,” its completion in 1937 marked a triumph over formidable challenges. The striking red hue of the bridge, a result of a red lead primer on the steel fabricated by Bethlehem Steel, contributes to its iconic appearance.
The Golden Gate Bridge, Highway, and Transportation District oversee the bridge’s operation and maintenance, connecting the counties of Marin, Sonoma, San Francisco, and Contra Costa. The district manages two unified public transit systems – Golden Gate Transit and Golden Gate Ferry.
Suicide Preventive Net on the Bridge
After 87 years, a suicide prevention net has been successfully installed at the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, according to officials. Since the bridge’s opening in 1937, approximately 2,000 individuals have tragically jumped to their deaths from its towering heights. Over the years, families who lost loved ones to suicide at the bridge have fervently called for a viable solution.
The suicide deterrent system, commonly referred to as “the net,” now envelops around 95% of the 1.7-mile (2.7 km) span of the bridge. The Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District stated, “The purpose of the net is to reduce the number of deaths associated with individuals jumping off the Bridge. The net is a proven design that deters people from jumping, serves as a symbol of care and hope to despondent individuals, and, if necessary, offers people a second chance.”
Approval for the stainless steel net was granted in 2014, but actual work did not commence until four years later. Some individuals had opposed the installation, citing concerns about its impact on the view or the associated costs. Despite the challenges, the completion of the net is now considered a significant milestone in suicide prevention.
Kevin Hines, one of approximately 40 known individuals to survive a jump from the bridge, actively campaigned for the implementation of the net. Reflecting on his own experience, Mr. Hines expressed gratitude for the project, stating, “Had the net been there, I would have been stopped by the police and gotten the help I needed immediately and never broken my back, never shattered three vertebrae, and never been on this path I was on.” He has since become a prominent advocate for suicide prevention.
The Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District reported that the net has already demonstrated its intended impact. In an average year, the bridge witnessed around 30 confirmed suicides. However, in 2023, during the net’s construction phase, there were only 14 confirmed suicides, effectively reducing the average number of suicides by more than half, according to the district’s statement.