Construction
Major Bridge Improvements
Since its completion in 1937, a number of rehabilitation and improvement projects have been undertaken to preserve, protect and extend the life of this world-famous structure. The most significant of these improvements are noted below.
Major current projects underway at the Golden Gate Bridge are listed in the Current Projects page.
1953 -1954
On December 1, 1951, a great windstorm threatened the integrity of the Bridge. A lower lateral bracing system was added to the span to significantly increase the torsional stability of the stiffening truss of the roadway at a cost of $3.5 million.
1967-1969
Consulting Engineers from Amman & Whitney, NY, NY conducted a major inspection of the Bridge.
1973-1976
During the 1967-1969 Bridge inspection, advancing corrosion was discovered at the suspension rope connection point at the roadway. The District worked with Ammann & Whitney, NY, NY to develop plans and specifications to replace the suspender ropes. All 250 pairs of vertical suspender ropes were replaced at a cost of $9 million in District funds.
1980-1982
Following the 1971 San Fernando Earthquake, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) issued new retrofit design standards for existing structures. Both the San Francisco and Marin approaches to the Bridge were retrofitted to increase earthquake resistance. The project was completed in 1982 with 80 percent of the $2.8 million cost borne by the federal government.
1980-1989
Over the nine-year period, all 11 toll collection booths were renovated to more safely accommodate the flow of traffic at a cost of $1.7 million in District funds.
1982-1986
Over the years, salt and moisture from fog and the ocean have penetrated and deteriorated the Bridge's roadway deck. In response, the greatest engineering project since the building of the Bridge occurred when the original concrete deck and its supporting steel stringers were replaced with a lighter, stronger orthotropic deck. The District worked with Ammann & Whitney to develop this new deck design. Approximately 80 percent of the total cost of $68.1 million was borne by the Federal Highway Administration as a result of Congressional legislation recognizing the importance of this project in the protection of interstate commerce. The District paid the balance.
Over 401 nights the original concrete, consisting of 747 sections, roadway deck was replaced with a lighter, stronger, orthotropic steel deck. The roadway was widened also by two feet resulting in outside curb lane widths of 11 feet, up from 10 feet. The four inside lanes remained at 10 feet wide. Daytime peak traffic was not affected. The final phase was completed in the summer of 1986 when two inches of epoxy asphalt were laid over the surface of the steel deck roadway.
1986-1987
The lighting design developed by consulting architect Irving F. Morrow during the original design was included in original construction. The decorative tower lighting cost $1.2 million, with funding provided in part through a donation from Pacific Gas & Electric Company. Abbett Electric Company installed the lighting at cost.
1993-1994
By 1992, after 55 years of constant weather exposure, approximately 6,557 lineal feet of west side pedestrian railing had deteriorated. The District replaced the railing with an exact replica, preserving the historical and architectural character of the Bridge, at a cost of $1.3 million.
1996-1997
In August 1996, pavement and drainage rehabilitation of 1,600 feet of roadway in the Golden Gate Bridge Toll Plaza area commenced. To maintain the smooth flow of traffic during peak periods, work was performed at night. In early 1997, the project was completed.
1997-2008
Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Golden Gate Bridge Seismic Retrofit Design and Construction Project were completed. Phase 1 retrofitted the Marin approach structures from 1997 to 2002. From 2002 to 2008, Phase 2 retrofitted the San Francisco approach structures and Fort Point arch.
2001 to 2003
A 4-foot, 6-inch high railing was added between the Bridge roadway and each of the two sidewalks.
2008
In April 2008, Phase 3A of the Seismic Design and Construction Project began. The north anchorage housing and pylons will be retrofit during this phase.
2010
Phase 3B of the Seismic Design and Construction Project is anticipated to begin and will retrofit the main span and towers.