Maintenance and Operations
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During Design and Construction
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Current Operations
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Major Bridge Improvements
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Current Projects
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Painting The Bridge
During Design and Construction
The caretakers of the Golden Gate Bridge include the engineers and architects that had the vision to create such an incredible landmark, the rugged individuals who built this one-of-a kind masterpiece, and the skilled crafts people and engineers that have taken care of it since opening day in 1937.
Joseph B. Strauss lead the way as Chief Engineer of the Golden Gate Bridge. Strauss was assisted by a talented team that included: Strauss Engineering (later to become Strauss and Paine, Inc.) Vice Presidents Charles A. Ellis and Clifford E. Paine; Consulting Engineers O.H. Ammann, Charles Derleth, Jr. and Leon S. Moisseiff; and, Consulting Architect Irving F. Morrow. These individuals, along with many dedicated workers and professionals, oversaw the creation of a structure which has become world-renowned. The Golden Gate Bridge has earned the reputation as the world?s most spectacular Bridge and is one of the most visited sites in the world.
The most famous of the original construction workers became known as the Half-Way-to-Hell Club when the safety net suspended beneath the floor of the Bridge saved the lives of nineteen men. Until February 17, 1937, there had been only one fatality during the construction of the Bridge. This was a new record in a field where the norm had been that one man was killed for every million dollars spent. On that sad day in February, ten men lost their lives when a section of scaffold carrying twelve men fell through the safety net.
For more information about the original construction and the workers that built the Bridge, there are several great books and videos available through this website at our Gift Center.
Current Operations
The Golden Gate Bridge is maintained by Bridge Division employees that operate and maintain the Bridge under the direction of the Bridge Division Manager. The Bridge Division captures the true meaning of the words "team effort", with all of the skilled crafts and trades working together to accomplish the job at hand.
A revered and rugged group of Ironworkers and Painters battle wind, sea air and fog, often suspended high above the Gate, to repair corroding steel. Ironworkers replace corroding steel and rivets, make small fabrications for use on the Bridge, and assist Painters with their rigging. Ironworkers also remove plates and bars to provide access for Painters to the interiors of the columns and chords that make up the Bridge. Painters prepare all Bridge surfaces and repaint all corroded areas.
Operating Engineers and Mechanics ensure that all equipment and vehicles are in good repair. Electricians maintain toll equipment and all electrical components of the Bridge. They also operate the fog horns. Communications Technicians ensure that radio communications are always operational. The Streets and Grounds team, consisting of Gardeners, Laborers, Cement Masons and a Carpenter, keep the surrounding areas of the Golden Gate Bridge in proper repair and attractive for the over nine million visitors each year.
The Bridge Captain oversees the activities of the Toll Office coordinating an around-the-clock workforce to ensure the smooth flow of traffic. Bridge Sergeants and Lieutenants respond to all inquiries, accidents and emergencies. Two babies have been born at the toll plaza to date.
Bridge Officers accept and record all toll monies. They are well known for both their friendliness and accuracy. With the addition of the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC), known as Golden Gate Bridge FasTrak in July 2000, Bridge Officers will still be required to collect tolls manually as not all lanes will be designated for ETC.
Laneworkers ensure the reversible lanes are in the proper configuration before each morning and afternoon commute period begins. They also respond to any emergency lane change requirements that may arise.
Bridge Service Operators assist disabled vehicles on the Bridge and its approaches. Tow service trucks are on site 24-hours a day, ready to respond to any emergency.
The following unions and organizations represent Bridge Division workers:
Transport Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO, Local 250-A (Bridge Officers - Toll Collectors)
Bay Counties District Council of Carpenters, Local 222 (Carpenters)
Cement Masons Union, Local 580, International Association of Operative Plasters and Cement Masons (Masons)
Local 377, International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental, Reinforced Iron Workers, Riggers and Machinery Movers (Ironworkers)
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 6 (Electricians)
Laborers' International Union of North America, AFL-CIO, Local 291 (Laborers)
Automotive Machinists, Local 1305, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and Machinists (Mechanics)
International Union of Operating Engineers, AFL-CIO, Local 3 (Operating Engineers)
International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades, AFL-CIO, District Council No. 16 (Painters)
United Association of Journeymen & Apprentices of the Plumbing & Pipe Fitting Industry, Local 38 (Plumbers)