The construction of the Golden Gate Bridge was a marvel. Most engineers said it could not be built. Joseph Strauss and his team of engineers proved them wrong by constructing what was at the time the world’s longest and tallest suspension bridge. The Bridge has continued to be innovative in spirit and has completed several high-profile projects in recent years to improve efficiency and safety:
Between 1982-1986, the original concrete roadway deck, consisting of 747 sections, was replaced with a lighter, stronger, orthotropic steel deck that is 40% lighter than the previous concrete decking. This Bridge deck replacement was the greatest engineering project since the Bridge was built and was the first on a major suspension span.
On March 27, 2013, the Bridge was the first major toll bridge is the U.S. to convert to all electronic toll collection. The positive impacts of this conversion include a reduction in peak-period backups and vehicle delays, resulting in faster commutes and lower levels of vehicle emissions.
Watch this video about the MMB
On January 10-12, 2015, the Bridge became safer for drivers when a new Moveable Median Barrier (MMB) was installed that virtually eliminated the possibility of head-on collisions. The solid, semi-rigid barrier is made up of 3,517-interlocking steel and concrete units, each weighing 1,500 pounds and standing 32 inches tall. A yellow zipper truck moves the barrier when lane changes are needed.
In early 2024, the Golden Gate Bridge completed the installation of a physical suicide barrier the full length of the 1.7-mile span. The Suicide Deterrent System, also known as the net, was installed on the east and west sides of the Bridge to reduce the number of suicides at the Golden Gate Bridge. The net is a proven design that deters people from jumping, serves as a symbol of care and hope, and offers people a second chance.
We are pleased that the net is working to save lives at the Golden Gate Bridge. In 2024, the first year the net was completed, suicides declined by 73%. In 2025, the second year with the net, suicides at the Bridge declined by 87%.
In early 2026, the final phase of the Golden Gate Bridge seismic retrofit, Phase 3B, started. While the Golden Gate Bridge can safely withstand a large earthquake today, the final phase of the seismic retrofit will help ensure the Bridge remains in service in the aftermath of a major natural disaster and will help our region respond and recover in the days, weeks, and months that follow.
This final phase of the project includes strengthening the main span between the two towers and two side spans while reinforcing both towers and the south tower pier. As part of this project, the south tower will also get a fresh coat of paint above the roadway.
read more about major bridge improvements