The Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge, often referred to as the Sunshine Skyway Bridge or simply the Skyway, is a cable-stayed bridge spanning the Lower Tampa Bay connecting St. Petersburg, Florida to Terra Ceia. The four-lane bridge carries Interstate 275 and US19 passing through three counties. It is a toll road with tolls assessed on vehicles traveling in either direction and collected via cash or the state’s automatic SunPass system.
The original bridge opened in 1954 and was the site of two major maritime disasters within a few months in 1980. In January 1980, a US Coast Guard Cutter collided with the tanker Capricorn near the bridge, resulting in the sinking of the cutter and the loss of 23 crew members.
In May 1980, a freighter collided with a bridge support during a sudden storm, resulting in the structural collapse of the southbound span and the deaths of 35 people when vehicles plunged into Tampa Bay. Within a few years, the damaged span was demolished, the surviving span was partially demolished and converted into a long fishing pier and the current bridge was built.
Hundreds of people have committed suicide by jumping from the bridge or its predecessors into the waters of Tampa Bay. An estimated 43 others have survived the jump. Many other missing persons are suspected of having jumped from the bridge but their deaths could not be confirmed as no bodies were recovered.
In response to the high number of suicide attempts from the bridge, the state of Florida installed six crisis hotline phones along the center span in 1999, and began 24-hour patrols.
We see emergency lights on the bridge and rescue boats in the water often! (SAD)
In January 2020, FDOT announced they will install the Skyway Vertical Net, a vertical barrier in an effort to deter suicide attempts. Construction for the project is expected to begin in fall 2020 and completed by early 2021. The vertical barrier will be placed on the outside walls of the bridge and extend vertically 8 feet (2.4 m) from the side barriers. It will span each side of the bridge for about 1.5 miles (2.4 km).
In November 2017, work began on installing decorative lighting to the Skyway’s columns, main spans, and sloped spans. The $15 million lighting project provides a visual aesthetic while also enhancing safety and security by providing more light to the underside of the bridge from dusk to dawn. Over 1,800 LED lights were installed along 1.7 miles of the bridge which cycles through animated routines. The lighting project was completed in October 2019 and funded by FDOT through collected toll fees.
The drive over the Skyway is beautiful with amazing views on both sides. High winds often shut down the bridge for the safety of high profile vehicles. If you are in the area we suggest you take the time to check it out!
( Disclaimer – Pics were not taken by us! )
However, we do a great view of it from our deck and are able to enjoy the changing light shows.
CHEERS!
