Imagine a bridge designed to float away and clear the bay for military ships in case of destruction. Sounds like a thrilling sci-fi plot, right? This is precisely how the enduring legend of the Coronado Bridge began, woven into the fabric of San Diego’s local lore.
Constructed between 1967 and 1969, the Coronado Bridge spans an impressive 2.12 miles across San Diego Bay. The bridge’s hollow box-girder design gave it a floating appearance during its construction, which likely fueled the myth. As Robert Mosher, the bridge’s architect, confirmed, its center span was never engineered to float; it’s firmly anchored to withstand the tests of time and nature.
“I’ve always heard that the center span was designed to be pushed aside! It made sense, considering the Navy presence. But it’s just a myth!” — Local San Diegan
Despite the truth, the myth persists. A 2011 fact-check pointed out that while the military does have contingency plans for emergencies, such as placing explosives underwater to break up debris, the floating capability of the bridge has never been part of its design.
So, the next time you’re crossing the Coronado Bridge, remember: while it might look like it could float, this architectural wonder stands proud and steady, an emperor with no floating crown!