You may not realize but the longest cable suspension bridge in the United States is just miles away from our JU campus. This bridge is right over two miles long, going over the Saint Johns River. The central span of the bridge deck between the two tower is 471 feet above the water. These towers go 80 ft below the water's surface to make sure the bridge has a steady foundation. The steel cables are sheathed within a steal pile. The cable starts at 65 feet long and at the highest point the cables are 720 ft long, totalling into 21 miles of steal cable. This bridge is most noticable because of how steep it takes you, over 40 stories high in one horizontal mile. It is definitely one of the prettiest and scariest bridges that I have seen, I personally always have a fear of bridges. This is the big challenge for the designers of bridges. Not only do they have to design the bridge sturdy and safe but the city wants a structure that adds beauty to their skyline.
What are some beautiful bridges you have seen in your life and what in paticular makes them pleasing to you?
Phil
This is actually my favorite bridge to drive over. The first time I ever drove over it I was 13 years old, my dad was driving the car and I remember thinking how beautiful it was. I think the reason why I like this bridge so much is its hight and how long it is. My question for you Phil is why did you pick this brigde? Jacksonville has so many and they're all so unique.
ReplyDeleteComing to Jacksonville I noticed there were so many bridges. Then the first time I saw the Dames Point Bridge I was amazed by it. That's a really cool fact. I remember when I was younger I went over this bridge that leads to St. George island down in Franklin County (Florida). I remember being fascinated by how high the bridge went up even though now its not nearly as big as I remembered.
ReplyDeleteThe first time i went over the Dames point bridge it was unbelievably scary, because it was a really windy day and had never been on one so tall. My favorite bridge to go over in dunlawton bridge in Daytona beach, because the lower walls make it so you can see the water below you fairly easily and still have the beauty of a reasonably tall and curving bridge.
ReplyDeleteShawn Macklefresh
smackle@jacksonville.edu
That is undoubtedly an impressive bridge. As Semira says, Jax is connected by so many bridges that is very difficult to choose which one is the best. One of the bridges that most impresses me is the Millau Viaduct located in France, which is the world's highest bridge and was built in less than 4 years.This is without doubt an engineering and architectural marvel.
ReplyDeleteI am from Jacksonville, so this is the most beautiful bridge I seen. I haven't traveled a lot away from home. Even though I am from Jacksonville, I do not like going over this bridge at all. I try to avoid it all cost. I think I only been over that bridge three times my whole life.
ReplyDeleteGibbs, I went to St George island for the forth of July. That bridge is the second largest bridge in the south east, second only to the bridge going to the keys. That was very impressive and that bridge also carries all the water on and off the island.
ReplyDeleteGreat article. Thank You
ReplyDelete