GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE ENHANCEMENTS

Golden Gate Bridge Enhancements

San Francisco, California

Under DMD design supervision, the seismic retrofit and replacement of elements on the bridge structure have been engineered without compromising the integrity of the historic design. DMD has provided design coordination with the various engineering teams over this period to preserve the lasting legacy of this iconic bridge.

All design additions to the Golden Gate bridge must satisfy Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and applicable state requirements addressing impacts to historic resources. As part of the process DMD established the first guidelines for working on historic bridges in California.

For the Golden Gate Bridge, DMD developed a detailed understanding of the structural vocabulary of the bridge addressing each of the specific components being considered. As part of the process, original bridge elements were analyzed to define their character defining features and then conceptual options were curated through an iterative design development process for building stakeholder support including public buy-in. Through this work, DMD’s insights and optimized approaches streamlined the significant process for obtaining approvals and collaboratively managing the design process.

Learn more about the design of this project in Donald MacDonald’s book, here.

Client – Golden Gate Bridge and Highway District
Location – San Francisco
Timeline – 1980-2022
Bridge Engineer – T.Y. Lin International, Imbsen, and Sverdrup Inc
Overall Length – 8,980′
Type – Suspension
Main Span – 4,200′
Spans – 13
Deck Width – 90′
Tower Height – 746′

Additional Media On This Project

- Golden Gate Bridge Barrier – YouTube
- Golden Gate Bridge Barrier – SF Standard

DMD has been the only architect to work on the Golden Gate since Irving Morrow.

DMD led the design of the Suicide Deterrent System for the Golden Gate Bridge. Each year there are hundreds of suicide attempts that are averted through interventions, yet on average, 30 people or more still commit suicide here, one of the highest rates in the world. This ultimately required a physical deterrent system to be employed.

The design and approval of the Suicide Deterrent system was the result of the collaboration between the families who have lost loved ones, the staff of the Bridge District, and state legislators who created a funding path for the project. The design was informed through an extensive public participation process which solicited input from the community and preservationists deeply concerned about impacting the bridge’s aesthetics and majestic views. Stakeholder outreach including California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), California State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), Federal Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP), and other parties including the Foundation for San Francisco’s Architectural Heritage.

Protecting Futures and Preserving Hope

Visual simulations and aesthetic analysis were conducted for each of the feasible alternatives. The design also had to satisfy Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and applicable state requirements regarding projects that impact historic resources. DMD also conducted detailed research and analysis of precedent projects installed in locations around the world. This included research and interviews from mental health experts that specialize in suicide prevention.

Ultimately, a new vertical railing incorporating an improved wind fairing integrated with the existing bridge railing along with a new capture net extending below the bridge deck was selected as the best solution for the Golden Gate Bridge. Although the project is unique due to its scale and location, the chosen solution has been proven to be an exceptionally effective deterrent to suicide. The system was designed to minimize impacts to Bridge views and appearance, allow open, scenic vistas to remain intact, with minimal impacts to the architecture of the structure. The system was also designed to minimize interference with the daily operations and maintenance of the bridge structure. Construction began in 2018 and was completed in January of 2024.

Awards

2018 Project of the Year: Golden Gate Bridge Suicide Barrier, Construction Dive

2007 Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Award: American Society of Civil Engineers

2005 Special Earthquake Engineering Project of the Year Award: San Francisco Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers

1993 Distinguished Building Award: Society of American Registered Architects (SARA)

1989 Award for Architectural Excellence: Foundation for San Francisco Architectural Heritage

1984 National Civil Engineering Landmark: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)