Chesapeake Bay Bridge, Dual suspension bridge in Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, United States.
Description
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge is a twin steel structure measuring 6.9 kilometers (4.3 miles) that spans the waters between Anne Arundel County and Queen Anne's County, connecting both shores of the bay. Both structures rise above the flat expanse of water on tall support piers that emerge from the surface.
History
The first span opened in 1952 and provided a road crossing over the bay for the first time. A second parallel span opened in 1973 to handle increasing traffic between both shores.
Culture
The official name William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge commemorates the Maryland governor who initiated the construction project in the late 1940s.
Practical
The roadway remains open at all times and carries vehicles between the western suburbs of the capital and the towns along the eastern shore. Strong wind can sometimes lead to slower conditions, especially for tall vehicles.
Did you know?
An annual running event in November invites participants to cross the entire bay on foot, with the structure temporarily closed to cars. Thousands of runners take advantage of this rare opportunity on a route normally limited to vehicles.
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This collection presents suspension bridges recognized for their engineering solutions and their role in urban development. The Akashi Kaikyō Bridge in Japan spans 1,991 meters between its two towers, the longest distance of its kind in the world. The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco demonstrates...
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