Sunshine Skyway Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sunshine Skyway Bridge |
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| Coordinates | 27°37′30″N 82°39′30″W / 27.625°N 82.65833°W |
| Carries | 4 lanes of I-275 and US 19 |
| Crosses | Tampa Bay |
| Locale | South of St. Petersburg and north of Terra Ceia, Florida |
| Maintained by | Florida Department of Transportation |
| ID number | 150189 |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | continuous pre-stressed concrete cable-stayed bridge |
| Total length | 5.5 miles (8.9 km) |
| Width | 94 feet (29 m) |
| Height | 431 feet (131 m) |
| Longest span | 1,200 feet (366 m) |
| Clearance above | 193 feet (59 m) |
| Clearance below | 175 feet (53 m) |
| History | |
| Opened | 1954 (original bridge, collapsed 1980) April 20, 1987 (new bridge) |
| Statistics | |
| Daily traffic | 50,500 |
| Toll | $1 for passenger cars or $0.75 with SunPass |
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is a famous highway bridge in Florida, USA. It stretches across Tampa Bay, connecting St. Petersburg to Terra Ceia. This amazing bridge is about 5.5 miles (8.85 km) long. Every day, around 50,500 cars and trucks drive over it. Many people consider it Florida's most important or "flag" bridge.
The current bridge was opened in 1987. It replaced an older bridge that had a tragic accident. On May 9, 1980, a large ship hit one of the old bridge's support columns. A part of the bridge, about 1200 feet (366 meters) long, fell into the water. This sad event led to the building of the safer, stronger bridge we see today.
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What is the Sunshine Skyway Bridge?
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge. This means its main deck is held up by strong cables. These cables connect to tall towers. The bridge is made from pre-stressed concrete, which is a very strong type of concrete. It has four lanes for traffic, carrying both I-275 and US 19.
How Tall and Long is the Bridge?
The bridge is very tall and long. Its highest point is about 431 feet (131 meters) above the water. This allows large ships to pass underneath easily. The main part of the bridge, called the main span, is 1200 feet (366 meters) long. The entire bridge structure, including its approaches, measures about 5.5 miles (8.85 km).
Who Manages the Bridge?
The Florida Department of Transportation takes care of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. They make sure it is safe and well-maintained for all the vehicles that cross it daily. There is a small fee, or toll, to cross the bridge. This money helps with its upkeep.
The History of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge
The original Sunshine Skyway Bridge opened in 1954. It was a different type of bridge than the one we have now. It served the area for many years, helping people travel across Tampa Bay.
What Happened to the Original Bridge?
On May 9, 1980, a large cargo ship named the MV Summit Venture was sailing through Tampa Bay. There was a sudden storm with heavy rain and strong winds. The ship lost its way in the bad weather. It crashed into one of the support columns of the original bridge.
The impact caused a large section of the bridge to collapse. About 1200 feet (366 meters) of the bridge fell into the water. This was a very serious accident. After the accident, plans were made to build a new, safer bridge.
Building the New Bridge
Construction on the new Sunshine Skyway Bridge began soon after the accident. Engineers and builders worked hard to design a bridge that would be stronger and safer. They used a cable-stayed design, which is known for its strength and ability to withstand impacts. The new bridge also has stronger protections around its main supports to prevent similar accidents.
The new bridge officially opened on April 20, 1987. It was named the Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge, after a former Florida governor. Today, it stands as a symbol of strength and resilience. It is also a beautiful landmark in Florida.
Images for kids
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The collapsed original bridge on May 9, 1980, after the Summit Venture collision. Photo by St. Petersburg Times
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Before demolition
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Demolition of steel and concrete girders. The truncated pier visible was the one struck by Summit Venture
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Main bridge span secure on barge being towed away
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Blasting steel truss
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Blasting concrete piers
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The bridge at twilight
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View of bridge from Fort De Soto Park's East Beach
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Driving on the bridge, near the peak
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View of bridge heading north
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View looking up while driving across Sunshine Skyway Bridge
See also
In Spanish: Sunshine Skyway Bridge para niños
