Sunshine Skyway Bridge

Sunshine Skyway Bridge in FL, one of the world's longest cable-stayed concrete bridges


What is the Sunshine Skyway bridge made of?

The four-lane bridge is part of I-275 (SR 93) and US 19 (SR 55) roads. It links St. Petersburg in Pinellas County and Terra Ceia in Manatee County. An estimated 52,000 vehicles use the bridge. The entire bridge is almost completely composed of just concrete and steel.

Is Sunshine Skyway Bridge a toll road?

The current bridge opened in 1987. It’s quite a majestic engineering feat. The views from this bridge are spectacular if you don't have a fear of heights. Don't be fooled by its sunny name, the history alone makes going over "Sunshine Skyway Bridge" scary. In 1980, the freighter MV Summit Venture collided with a support column during a blinding thunderstorm causing the bridge to collapse. The collision caused six cars, a truck, and a Greyhound bus to fall 150 feet (46 m) into the water, killing 35 people. On top of this, 207 people have committed suicided by jumping off the center span into the Tampa Bay waters since 1987 when the new bridge was reconstructed. Prior to that, another 51 people have jumped to their deaths before the older bridge collapsed. There are now 6 suicide hotlines placed along the bridge as a safety precaution and a constant reminder to its past. It is a toll road.

Is the Sunshine Skyway Bridge closed?

During periods of severe thunderstorms, high winds and hurricanes, it is often shut down due to high wind advisories. Avoid on a very windy or foggy day or storm as it generally is closed at that time. The grade is steep and you feel like your on an endless ramp and will drop from a dizzying height after you reach the apex. The parallel lines of slanted bright yellow cables going by add to the disorienting vertigo. Even a seasoned bridge crosser can feel off on this bridge.


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