I visited the bridge with the Fort Carson Officers Wives Club, in 1981. You were allowed to drive across the bridge, at that time, and it wasn’t the tourist attraction that it is today.
Here are a few fun facts about the bridge:
It only took 7 months to build the Royal Gorge Bridge…
A team of about 80 brave men constructed the Royal Gorge Bridge in just seven months! Starting on June 5th, 1929, the men began building what would be at the time the world’s highest bridge at 956 feet above ground. The Royal Gorge Bridge was open to the public in December of 1929.
and it was very expensive
The original cost to build the bridge was $350,000 and was reportedly $100,000 over budget. Current replacement costs are well over $20,000,000. Here are some quick stats on the Royal Gorge Bridge:
-The bridge towers stand 150 feet high.
-The bridge is 18 feet wide.
-The total length is 1,260 feet.
-Original builders’ average wage was $.50 an hour.
-The original toll was $.75 per person.
The Royal Gorge Bridge is the highest suspension bridge in America.
The Royal Gorge Bridge currently holds the title of America’s highest suspension bridge, and is the 7th highest bridge in the world.
A devastating fire damaged most of the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park…
On June 11, 2013, the Royal Gorge Bridge withstood the devastating Royal Gorge Fire. While 90 percent of the park was destroyed, the Royal Gorge Bridge was only minimally damaged. One hundred wooden planks of the bridge were burned and needed to be replaced. The Royal Gorge Fire burned for five days. The flames ultimately scorched 3,218 acres and destroyed 48 of the 52 structures at the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park.
Speaking of planks….
some of the gaps between the planks are fairly large. 300 planks are replaced each year. It seriously made me queasy looking down between the planks.
Mark took advantage of the swing ride over the gorge.
And we both rode the zip line across the gorge. Super fun.
The gondola ride provides a great view of the gorge.
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