Eleven workers died during the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge (1933–1937).
Geographic Context
The Golden Gate Bridge spans the Golden Gate Strait, the entrance to San Francisco Bay.
Spanning the Golden Gate Strait, the bridge links the Marin Headlands to the San Francisco Peninsula, connecting the Pacific Ocean to the bay. It stretches 1.7 miles (about 2.7 km) and its towers soar 746 feet (227 m) above the water. Because of the strait’s strong tides, frequent fog, and deep water — up to 377 ft — engineers had to get creative with safety measures. (Honestly, those conditions sound like a nightmare for any builder.)
If you want to dig deeper, check out the National Park Service overview of the bridge’s setting.
Key Details
Key details are its construction period (Jan 5 1933 – May 27 1937), 11 worker deaths, a cost of about $35 million (≈ $700 million in 2026), and a length of 1.7 miles.
Here’s a quick look at the main metrics in the table below — dates, death toll, cost, water depth, coordinates, length, and tower height.
| Metric | Details |
|---|
| Construction period | January 5, 1933 – May 27, 1937 |
| Total deaths during construction | 11 workers |
| Deadliest day | February 17, 1937 (10 workers killed) |
| Cost of construction | $35 million (≈ $700 million in 2026 dollars) |
| Water depth under bridge | 377 feet (115 meters) at deepest point |
| Coordinates | 37.8199° N, 122.4783° W |
| Bridge length | 1.7 miles (2.7 km) |
| Tower height | 746 feet (227 meters) |
These numbers, generally speaking, come from historical records compiled by the Encyclopædia Britannica and are widely cited in engineering histories.
Interesting Background
Before February 17 1937 only one worker had died; a scaffold collapse that day killed ten more.
On February 17 1937, a scaffold collapse sent twelve men plunging 220 feet into the frigid strait; only two survived. In response, engineers rigged the first comprehensive safety net under the deck, which later caught nineteen additional workers who slipped. (That net must have felt like a lifeline.)
Those nets are generally credited with cutting the potential death toll by as much as two‑thirds and became a model for future high‑rise projects. (Honestly, that’s a pretty impressive safety upgrade.) Wikipedia notes that the net innovation is often highlighted in construction‑safety case studies.
Beyond the construction era, at least thirty‑four people have survived jumping from the bridge into the bay (as of 2024), though most suffer serious injuries. One notable survivor, Kevin Hines, said a sea lion nudged him to the surface after his 2000 leap. (Crazy, right?)
Practical Information
The bridge is open year‑round and pedestrians and cyclists may cross at no charge.
Near the south tower, the visitor center offers exhibits on the bridge’s engineering and the workers who built it. Guided tours and bike rentals are readily available in the surrounding parking lots. (Honestly, it’s a great way to learn about the bridge’s history.)
As of 2026, vehicles pay a toll of about $8 per axle for most cars, while walkers and bikers cross for free. The water temperature hovers around 50‑55 °F and the currents are strong, so swimming isn’t advised. (Brrr, that’s chilly!)
For the latest official updates, check out the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District site. (Honestly, it’s worth a look if you’re planning a trip.)
