Jekyll Island Causeway: Gateway To Brunswick, Ga

The Sidney Lanier Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge that spans the Brunswick River in Brunswick, Georgia, connecting Jekyll Island to the mainland. It is the longest-spanning bridge in Georgia, stretching 7,779 feet across and reaching 480 feet at its highest point. The bridge, named after poet Sidney Lanier, is an iconic landmark in the Golden Isles, featuring a sleek design that belies the massive amounts of concrete and steel used in its construction.

Sidney Lanier Bridge: a cable-stayed bridge spanning the Brunswick River

The Sidney Lanier Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge that spans the Brunswick River in Brunswick, Georgia, carrying four lanes of U.S. Route 17. The bridge is named after poet Sidney Lanier, whose poem "The Marshes of Glynn" describes the wetlands of the Golden Isles. The current bridge was opened in 2003 and is the longest-spanning bridge in Georgia, stretching 7,779 feet across and reaching 480 feet at its highest point. It is also Georgia's tallest cable-stayed suspension bridge.

The Sidney Lanier Bridge is an iconic landmark in the Golden Isles, known for its sleek design and massive structure. It was built to replace the original vertical-lift bridge, which was twice struck by ships. The original Sidney Lanier Bridge was opened on June 22, 1956, and was designed by the same firm that designed the I-35W Mississippi River bridge, which collapsed in 2007. On November 7, 1972, the ship African Neptune struck the bridge, causing parts of it to collapse and resulting in several deaths. The bridge was struck again by a ship in 1987, this time by the Polish freighter Ziemia Bialostocka.

The new Sidney Lanier Bridge features two identical towers that anchor its cables to the bridge deck, forming two pyramids on either side. The bridge is illuminated in the evening and can be seen from historic Brunswick or across St. Simons Sound. It offers sweeping panoramic views of the Golden Isles and is a popular spot for boaters and runners. Each year, usually in February, there is the "Bridge Run" sponsored by the Southeast Georgia Health System when people register to run or walk the bridge.

The Sidney Lanier Bridge serves as a gateway to Jekyll Island and the Golden Isles, providing access to charming downtown Brunswick and the surrounding islands. It is a memorable way to arrive in the area, with its impressive structure and views of the Brunswick River. Visitors can explore the historic buildings, oak-lined streets, and unique architecture of Brunswick, as well as the natural beauty of the Golden Isles, including the Marshes of Glynn and St. Simons Sound.

The bridge is named after poet Sidney Lanier

The Sidney Lanier Bridge is named after the poet, author, and musician Sidney Clopton Lanier. Born in Macon, Georgia, in 1842, Lanier was a true Renaissance man. He served in the Confederate States Army, taught, worked as a lawyer, and was a church organist. He is known for his adaptation of musical meter to poetry.

Lanier's poetry is often written in heightened, archaic American English, and he is known to have used dialects in his work. Many schools, structures, and lakes are named after him, and he is hailed in the South as the "poet of the Confederacy". A US postage stamp from 1972 honoured him as an "American poet".

The Sidney Lanier Bridge, which opened in 2003, is the longest-spanning bridge in Georgia. It stretches 7,779 feet across and reaches 480 feet at its highest point. The bridge has become an iconic landmark in the Golden Isles. It is built over the Brunswick River, connecting Brunswick to the rest of the Golden Isles.

The bridge's sleek design belies the 95,283 cubic yards of concrete and 14,810,095 pounds of reinforcing steel used in its construction. The four-lane bridge has two identical towers that anchor its cables to the bridge deck, fanning out to form two pyramids on either side. The bridge is illuminated each evening, shimmering in the waning light of the sunset and floating in the clouds of the morning fog.

The bridge is the longest in Georgia, at 7,779 feet long

The Sidney Lanier Bridge is the longest bridge in Georgia, at 7,779 feet long. It is a cable-stayed bridge that spans the Brunswick River in Brunswick, Georgia, carrying four lanes of U.S. Route 17. The bridge was built to replace the original vertical-lift bridge, which was struck by ships on two separate occasions. The Sidney Lanier Bridge is named after the poet Sidney Lanier and was opened to the public in 2003. It is an iconic landmark in the Golden Isles, featuring two identical towers that anchor its cables to the bridge deck. The bridge's design gives it a sense of lightness, despite being constructed with 95,283 cubic yards of concrete and 14,810,095 pounds of reinforcing steel.

The Sidney Lanier Bridge is not just the longest in Georgia but also the tallest cable-stayed suspension bridge in the state. It stands at a height of 480 feet. The bridge's sleek and elegant design has made it one of the most photographed locations in the Golden Isles. Its outstretched arms link Brunswick to the rest of the Golden Isles, including Jekyll Island, St. Simons Island, Sea Island, and Little St. Simons Island. The bridge offers sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding area, and its beauty is further enhanced by the shimmering lights of sunset or the early morning fog.

The bridge is also known for hosting the annual "Bridge Run" sponsored by the Southeast Georgia Health System. During this event, the southbound side of the bridge is closed to traffic, and people register to run or walk across the bridge. The U.S. Track and Field Association has certified the Bridge Run as the toughest 5K in Georgia. After the run, a fun walk commences, followed by a family-friendly festival with community vendors, food, drink, entertainment, and children's activities. The proceeds from this event benefit cancer and cardiac care programs at the Southeast Georgia Health System.

The Sidney Lanier Bridge is an impressive feat of engineering and a testament to human ingenuity. Its construction has improved transportation and connectivity in the region, providing a safe and efficient passage for travellers and locals alike. The bridge has become a beloved symbol of Brunswick and the Golden Isles, offering both functional value and aesthetic appeal to those who cross it or admire it from afar.

Sidney Lanier Park: a great place to watch boats pass under the bridge

The Sidney Lanier Bridge is the longest-spanning bridge in Georgia, stretching 7,779 feet across the Brunswick River and soaring to a height of 480 feet. The bridge, named after poet Sidney Lanier, is an iconic landmark in the Golden Isles, featuring a sleek and airy design that belies the massive amount of concrete and steel used in its construction.

The bridge is a popular attraction for locals and visitors alike, offering sweeping panoramic views of the Golden Isles and serving as a gateway to the charming, vintage downtown of Brunswick. One of the best ways to experience the bridge is from the water, with boaters able to use the paved ramp to launch their voyage and take in the stunning architecture up close.

For those who want to enjoy the bridge from land, the Sidney Lanier Park, located in the shadow of the bridge, provides the perfect vantage point. The park offers an observation area and a fishing platform, making it a great place to watch small boats and giant ships as they pass beneath the Sidney Lanier Bridge. The park also has a public launch, a picnic area, and a fishing pier, making it a popular spot for fishing and outdoor activities.

The park is also a great place to take in the beauty of the bridge itself, especially during sunrise and sunset when the light shimmers off its cables and towers. The bridge is an impressive sight, with its two identical towers anchoring the cables to the bridge deck, forming two pyramids on either side. The bridge is an iconic feature of the Golden Isles, linking Brunswick to the rest of the isles and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Whether you're a boater, a fisherman, or simply someone looking to enjoy the beauty of the Golden Isles, the Sidney Lanier Park is a great place to watch boats pass under the bridge and take in the stunning views of the Sidney Lanier Bridge and the surrounding area.

The bridge is the gateway to the Golden Isles and the town of Brunswick

The Sidney Lanier Bridge is the gateway to the Golden Isles and the town of Brunswick. This cable-stayed bridge spans the Brunswick River, carrying four lanes of U.S. Route 17. It is named after poet Sidney Lanier, whose poem "The Marshes of Glynn" describes the wetlands of the Golden Isles. The bridge is an iconic landmark, stretching 7,779 feet across and reaching 480 feet at its highest point. It is the longest-spanning bridge in Georgia and is an impressive feat of engineering, requiring 95,283 cubic yards of concrete and 14,810,095 pounds of reinforcing steel for its construction.

The Sidney Lanier Bridge is a crucial link between Brunswick and the Golden Isles, which include St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island, and Jekyll Island. These islands are known for their pristine stretches of marshland and small islands called hammocks, creating a breathtaking landscape. The bridge offers sweeping panoramic views of the Golden Isles, and its sleek design gives it a sense of lightness despite its massive structure.

The current Sidney Lanier Bridge was built in 2003 to replace the original vertical-lift bridge, which was struck by ships twice. The new bridge is designed to withstand such incidents, and its two identical towers anchor its cables firmly to the bridge deck. The cables fan out to form two pyramids on either side, adding to the bridge's aesthetic appeal.

The bridge is not just a means of transportation but also a destination in itself. It is one of the most photographed locations in the Golden Isles, with its intricate architecture and stunning views. Each year, usually in February, the "Bridge Run" sponsored by the Southeast Georgia Health System attracts runners and walkers who get to experience the bridge up close. The event is followed by a fun walk and a family-friendly festival, contributing to the vibrant community life of the region.

The Sidney Lanier Bridge is more than just a connector between Jekyll Island and Brunswick, Georgia. It stands as a symbol of the region's beauty, history, and community spirit, welcoming visitors to the Golden Isles and inviting them to explore the charm and natural wonders that lie beyond.

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