Crossing Bridges

Over the past weeks I've had many occasions to watch as local bays are spanned--the eastern span of the Bay Bridge and the Benicia-Martinez Bridge. The days of the majestic cable or steel truss bridges have passed in the Bay Area. New bridges showcase the marvels of reinforced concrete design.

For me, the Benicia-Martinez bridge (like the Cartinez bridge) holds a special place in my heart. It was one of the last roadway design projects I worked on--one that because of environmental concerns and its close proximity to the oil refineries almost didn't happen.

Photos of two of my favorite cable bridges follow. I took these photos from the deck of a boat (April 2004) and from the passenger seat of a car (April 2002).

"I will be steel!
I will build a steel bridge over my need!
...
But my future is a secret.
It is as shy as a mole."
- Anne Sexton (1928-1974), U.S. poet, from "Letters to Dr. Y."