The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, locally known as the "Gorge Bridge" and the "High Bridge", is a steel deck arch bridge across the Rio Grande Gorge 10 miles (16 km) northwest of Taos, New Mexico, United States. At 565 feet (172 m) above the Rio Grande, it is the seventh highest bridge in the United States and 82nd highest bridge in the world.
Video Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
Construction
The bridge was started in 1963 and completed in 1965. It was dedicated on September 10, 1965 and is a part of U.S. Route 64, a major east-west road. The span is 1,280 feet (390 m): two 300-foot-long (91 m) approach spans with a 600-foot-long (180 m) main center span.
Maps Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
Awards
In 1966 the American Institute of Steel Construction awarded the bridge "Most Beautiful Steel Bridge" in the "Long Span" category.
Restoration
A $2.4 million "facelift" to the bridge was completed in September 2012. This year-long project included repair and restoration work to the 50-year-old bridge including structural steelwork, a new concrete deck surface, new sidewalks, ramps, curbs, and gutters.
Suicide problem
The bridge has been the site of numerous suicides. Authorities are studying ways to deter suicides, including the construction of suicide barriers, such as higher fencing, netting, or more security, but cite money as a major reason no steps have been taken.
In popular culture
The bridge has appeared in several films, including Natural Born Killers, Twins, White Sands, She's Having a Baby, The Signal, Paul, Wild Hogs, and Terminator Salvation.
Gallery
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Taos County, New Mexico
- List of bridges in the United States by height
References
External links
- Media related to Rio Grande Gorge Bridge at Wikimedia Commons
Source of article : Wikipedia
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