The bridge was designed by Joseph Baermann Strauss in the 1920s with construction beginning in 1933. Strauss's emphasis on safety led to innovations that are now standard in the construction industry including the use of hard hats and safety netting. The bridge was officially opened in May of 1937. The bridge was completed under budget at $35,500,000 with the last of the construction bonds being paid-off in 1971. Although the bridge has lost its title as the world's longest suspension bridge, it does remain the highest.

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