As the longest-spanning bridge in Georgia, the Sidney Lanier Bridge stretches 7,779 feet across and reaches 480 feet at its highest point.
The Sidney Lanier Bridge, with its outstretched arms linking Brunswick to the rest of the Golden Isles, soars over the Brunswick River.
Despite its sleek design creating a sense of lightness, the bridge is constructed from 95,283 cubic yards of concrete and 14,810,095 pounds of reinforcing steel, making it a massive structure.
Named for poet Sidney Lanier, this bridge has become an iconic landmark in the Golden Isles.
Built in 2003, the four-lane bridge features two identical towers that anchor its cables to the bridge deck, with the cables fanning out to form two pyramids on either side.
Whether viewed from historic Brunswick or across St. Simons Sound, the Sidney Lanier Bridge shimmers each evening in the waning light of sunset and seems to float in the clouds of an early morning fog.
Source: Pinterest
When Was The Sidney Lanier Bridge Built?
Construction of the bridge began in 2000 and, after three years, concluded in 2003.
Funded by the Georgia Department of Transportation and the U.S. Coast Guard, it replaced a faulty previous bridge.
Sidney Lanier Bridge Facts
An engineering marvel and a beloved landmark in Georgia, the longest bridge in Georgia is visually stunning and brimming with fascinating facts and figures that highlight its grandeur and strategic importance.
- LENGTH: 7,780 feet (2,371 meters)
- LONGEST SPAN: 1,250 feet (381 meters)
- TOWER HEIGHT: 486 feet (148 meters)
- BRIDGE DECK ELEVATION: 203 feet (62 meters)
- CLEARANCE BELOW: 185 feet (56 meters)
- WIDTH: 78 feet (24 meters)
- CABLE STAYS: 176 cable stays with 484 miles (779 kilometers) of strands
- CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS: 14,810,095 pounds of reinforcing steel and 95,283 cubic yards of concrete
- LANE CAPACITY: 4 lanes of U.S. Route 17
- YEAR of COMPLETION: 2003
- COST: $65.5 million
Original Sidney Lanier Bridge
Constructed in 1956, the original Sidney Lanier Bridge faced numerous challenges.
Due to functionality issues and serious accidents resulting in fatalities, city officials decided to build a new bridge.
Design and Economic Problems
Initially, the old Sidney Lanier bridge utilized a lift span system where its middle section could lift vertically to allow cargo ships and boats to pass underneath.
However, this frequent lifting caused road traffic to come to a standstill, posing a significant inconvenience for travelers on one of the area’s busiest highways.
With an average of 20 ships crossing daily, the disruptions became particularly problematic.
The original bridge also faced persistent maintenance issues, notably in 1999 when a massive steel mold crucial for constructing the bridge’s main span broke loose and required recasting in Italy.
This incident caused a six-month construction delay, forcing Brunswick-bound traffic onto lengthy detours and adding frustration for commuters and visitors alike.
Moreover, the old bridge restricted larger ships from accessing the Port of Brunswick, limiting business activities and hindering the port’s global competitiveness.
This setback had a detrimental impact on the area’s economic development.
Sidney Lanier Bridge Collapse 1972
The Medora Covered Bridge faced catastrophe in 1972 when the ship African Neptune collided with it, tragically resulting in the loss of 10 lives.
This incident also caused significant damage to the bridge’s main span, worsening its already troubled history.
Subsequently, in 1987, the bridge encountered further challenges as the Polish freighter Ziemia Bialostocka struck a support tower, causing severe damage and forcing the bridge out of service for several months.
The closure of the original lift bridge resulted from these incidents and the continual need for repairs, alongside the rising demand for efficient transportation.
This paved the way for the construction of the new Sidney Lanier Bridge.
To bolster protection for the new bridge, large rock islands were constructed at the base of each tower to enhance safety and defend against potential ship impacts.
Today, the current bridge stands as a symbol of the community’s resilience and determination to ensure safe and efficient connectivity.
Loggerhead Turtles And The Sidney Lanier Bridge
While constructing Georgia’s longest bridge, workers discovered that bright lights were disturbing the natural migration patterns of loggerhead turtles.
To tackle this issue, they implemented a conservation strategy that involved installing essential lighting and using low-glare, low-wattage lights.
These efforts have effectively reduced the negative impact on the turtles, allowing them to migrate safely.
Can You Walk The Sidney Lanier Bridge?
Yes, crossing the Sidney Lanier Bridge on foot is possible.
However, it’s crucial to understand that there isn’t a designated pedestrian lane.
While there is a shoulder lane, it’s mainly intended for road traffic.
Therefore, pedestrians and cyclists must exercise extreme caution when crossing.
Sidney Lanier Bridge Run
The Southeast Georgia Health System sponsors a 5K Bridge Run every February, which the U.S. Track and Field Association has dubbed the “toughest 5K in Georgia!”
This annual event kicks off on the southbound side of the bridge, guiding runners over the Sidney Lanier Bridge and back for a second crossing.
To accommodate this special occasion, the south side of the bridge temporarily closes to vehicular traffic.
After the race, participants can enjoy a leisurely fun walk and a family-friendly festival as part of the Bridge Run activities.
The festival features community vendors, live entertainment, children’s activities, and a variety of local food and beverages.
All proceeds from the event contribute to the Health System’s cancer and cardiac care programs.
Sidney Lanier Bridge Brunswick, GA: FAQs
Explore Sidney Lanier Bridge history and construction, along with practical information about visiting, to find answers to commonly asked questions.
This will help you gain a better understanding of this remarkable Georgia landmark.
When did they finish building the Sidney Lanier Bridge?
The construction of the Sidney Lanier Bridge began in 2000 and concluded in 2003, with its official opening on June 26, 2003.
What type of bridge is the Sidney Lanier?
As for its design, the Sidney Lanier Bridge is classified as a cable-stayed bridge.
In this design, the main deck is supported by cables that connect directly to one or more vertical columns or towers.
These support towers carry the bridge’s load, and the cables serve to both support the weight and distribute tension caused by loads on the bridge.
This engineering strategy enables the bridge to span longer distances compared to some other bridge types.
How long is the Sidney Lanier Bridge in miles?
The Sidney Lanier Bridge spans 1.47 miles (2.37 kilometers) from end to end.
Who was the U.S. President when the Sidney Lanier Bridge was hit?
A ship struck the Sidney Lanier Bridge in 1972 during Richard Nixon’s presidency.
Why was the Sidney Lanier Bridge built?
Engineers built it to replace an older lift bridge and to offer a safer and more reliable crossing over the Brunswick River while allowing uninterrupted ship traffic.
How long did it take to build the Sidney Lanier Bridge?
It took three years to build the Brunswick, GA Sidney Lanier Bridge
How old is the Sidney Lanier Bridge?
As of June 2024, this engineering masterpiece is 21 years old.
Does the Sidney Lanier Bridge flood?
While the Sidney Lanier Bridge generally remains free from flooding, it occasionally shuts down during severe weather events.
Is Sidney Lanier Bridge open?
Indeed, the Golden Isles cable-stayed bridge welcomes the public around the clock, every day of the week. Nonetheless, it may intermittently shut down in response to severe weather conditions.
Does the longest bridge in Georgia have cameras?
Yes, surveillance cameras on the Sidney Lanier Bridge facilitate security, traffic, and weather monitoring.
When did Sidney Lanier Bridge fall?
Although it has never completely fallen, it was severely damaged in 1972.
What is the longest bridge in Georgia?
The Sidney Lanier Bridge is the longest in Georgia!
Conclusion
The Sidney Lanier Bridge, renowned as one of Georgia’s most famous bridges, stands as an architectural wonder crucial for connecting communities and providing stunning vistas.
Transitioning from its rich history and effects on local wildlife to the yearly bridge run and nearby attractions, this iconic landmark enhances the Golden Isles in numerous aspects.
A word of advice for those driving over the bridge from St. Simons to Jekyll Island: be mindful of the sharp left turn to Jekyll Island immediately after exiting the bridge, as it can be easily overlooked.
I discovered this the hard way, driving nearly 30 minutes past it before realizing my mistake.