The Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge, often referred to as the Sunshine Skyway Bridge or the Sunshine Skyway, consists of a pair of long beam bridges with a central cable-stayed bridge that spans Lower Tampa Bay to connect St. Petersburg, Florida, to Terra Ceia.
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I recently passed over Skyway Bridge on a trip up the west coast of Florida to St. Petersburg. This is cable stayed bridge that is also called the Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge or just the Skyway. When you see it, it is a very impressive bridge and its sails are iconic. The bridge stretches 29,040 feet between Bradenton and St. Petersburg. That's over four miles across Tampa Bay. This is actually the second bridge to be built here.
The first bridge was an original steel cantilever two-lane bridge built by the Virginia Bridge Company. It was also called the Skyway Bridge and it opened on September 6, 1954. It lasted almost 30 years until two disasters happened close together. In January 1980, the United States Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn collided with the tanker Capricorn near the bridge. The cutter sank and 23 crew members died. It is considered the Coast Guard's deadliest peacetime disaster. Just a few months later in May 1980, the freighter MV Summit Venture collided with a bridge support during a storm. It caused the structural collapse of the southbound span and six cars, a truck, and a Greyhound bus fell 150 feet into the water below killing 35 people. Only one person survived, Wesley MacIntire, 56 who had the good fortune of having his vehicle land on the ship before it hit the water.
After the disasters, the state realized that a new bridge would need to be built. The old bridge was demolished and the supports were turned into fishing piers. A new bridge was designed by Figg and Muller Engineers, with lower-level sections created by several other firms. It was decided the new bridge would be a a cable-stayed bridge where cables extend from towers along the bridge to support the load-bearing deck. This is different than suspension bridges where the deck is suspended from cables attached between multiple towers. Construction of the new bridge began in 1982. The bridge is made of just concrete and steel, making it the longest cable-stayed concrete bridge in the world. The bridge cost $244 million and opened in 1987. The design of the bridge has the cables descending from the two towers of the span are set in the middle of the bridge making it look like sails, with 40-foot roadways on each side. With the cables in the center instead of on the edges of the bridge, you get an clear view of the bay. The cable cases were all bright yellow, representing the rays of sunshine in the Sunshine State.
Sadly tragedy still plaques this bridge today. The Sunshine Skyway Bridge has become the top suicide spot in the state of Florida with at least 130 people having taken their lives by jumping since the bridge reopened in 1987. It is so incredibly easy to stop your car, jump out, and leap over the low barrier. I can't drive across the bridge without thinking about it. After much reluctance over the years a suicide barrier which is a high fence that can't be scaled, is finally being added to the bridge. The unobstructed view will be lost but lives...
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The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is an iconic cable-stayed bridge located in the state of Florida, USA. Here are key features of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge:
Location: Spanning Tampa Bay, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge connects St. Petersburg in Pinellas County with Terra Ceia in Manatee County, providing a vital transportation link in the region.
Design and Architecture: The bridge is a cable-stayed design, characterized by its towering support towers and cables that fan out to support the roadway. The aesthetic design has made it a distinctive landmark.
Original and Current Bridges: The current Sunshine Skyway Bridge is the second iteration, as the original bridge partially collapsed in 1980 due to a collision with a cargo ship during a storm. The new bridge was completed in 1987.
Length and Height: The bridge spans approximately 4.1 miles (6.6 kilometers) and reaches a height of 430 feet (131 meters) above the water, allowing for the passage of large vessels beneath.
Travel Route: Serving as a crucial part of Interstate 275, the bridge facilitates travel between the cities of St. Petersburg and Sarasota, as well as providing a scenic route for motorists.
Scenic Views: The Sunshine Skyway Bridge offers breathtaking panoramic views of Tampa Bay and the surrounding areas, making it a popular route for both locals and tourists.
Fishing Piers: The bridge is flanked by fishing piers on both sides, providing opportunities for recreational fishing and enjoying the natural beauty of the bay.
Suicide Prevention Measures: Recognizing its height and location, the bridge incorporates suicide prevention measures, including crisis hotline phones and fencing to deter such incidents.
Hurricane Evacuation Route: The bridge serves as a designated hurricane evacuation route, allowing residents to quickly move inland during severe weather events.
Recognition and Awards: The Sunshine Skyway Bridge has received recognition for its engineering and design excellence, contributing to its status as a notable landmark in Florida.
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge stands as both an engineering marvel and a scenic attraction, playing a vital role in regional transportation and offering a visually striking connection...
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The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in Florida, and for good reason. This stunning bridge offers breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico, making it a must-see destination for anyone visiting the area.
Paying the toll to cross the bridge is well worth it, as the views are simply spectacular. The best time to drive across is at sunset, when the sky turns shades of pink, orange, and purple, creating a truly magical experience. You'll feel as if you're driving into a painting!
In addition to the incredible views, there are fishing piers on both the north and south ends of the bridge, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. For those who just want to relax and take in the scenery, there are rest areas at both ends of the bridge with nice facilities.
One of the coolest things about the Sunshine Skyway Bridge is the lighting at night. The bridge is illuminated with colorful lights that change throughout the night, creating a beautiful and mesmerizing display.
If you're lucky, you may even spot some pelicans using the draft from the cars driving by to glide up alongside the bridge and then dive down into the water to catch a fish. It's a truly amazing...
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