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The True Story Of Tampa Bay Signature Bridge And The Man Who Brought It Down

Houston Powell

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The Sunshine Skyway Bridge: A Triumph of Engineering

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge Skyway: The True Story Of Tampa Bay S Signature Bridge And The Man Who Brought It Down

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge that spans Tampa Bay and connects the cities of Tampa and St. Petersburg, Florida. The bridge is a marvel of engineering and a testament to the human spirit. It is one of the longest bridges in the United States and one of the most iconic bridges in the world.

Skyway: The True Story of Tampa Bay's Signature Bridge and the Man Who Brought It Down

by Jayne Buxton

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3212 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Print length	:	257 pages

The bridge was designed by Eugene Figg, a world-renowned bridge engineer. Figg was known for his innovative designs and his commitment to safety. He designed the Sunshine Skyway Bridge to withstand even the most extreme weather conditions.

The bridge was built by a consortium of construction companies. The construction process was complex and challenging. The workers had to work in treacherous conditions, and they had to overcome a number of obstacles.

The bridge was completed in 1982 and opened to traffic. It quickly became one of the most popular tourist attractions in Florida. People from all over the world came to see the bridge and to experience the breathtaking views of Tampa Bay.

The Tragedy of the Skyway Bridge Collapse

On May 9, 1980, a freighter ship collided with the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. The impact of the collision caused a section of the bridge to collapse. Thirty-five people were killed in the collapse.

The collapse of the Skyway Bridge was a tragedy. It was the worst bridge collapse in American history. The collapse raised questions about the safety of the bridge and about the adequacy of the Coast Guard's oversight of the bridge.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigated the collapse of the Skyway Bridge. The NTSB found that the bridge was not designed to withstand the impact of a large ship. The NTSB also found that the Coast Guard had not adequately overseen the construction of the bridge.

The Rebuilding of the Skyway Bridge

The New Skyway Bridge Skyway: The True Story Of Tampa Bay S Signature Bridge And The Man Who Brought It Down

After the collapse of the Skyway Bridge, the state of Florida decided to rebuild the bridge. The new bridge was designed by Figg and Associates, the same firm that designed the original bridge. The new bridge was built to withstand the impact of a large ship.

The new bridge was completed in 1987 and opened to traffic. The new bridge is a beautiful and safe structure. It is a fitting tribute to the victims of the collapse of the original bridge.

The Man Who Brought Down the Skyway Bridge

Bob Buckhorn Skyway: The True Story Of Tampa Bay S Signature Bridge And The Man Who Brought It Down

Bob Buckhorn was a young engineer who worked on the construction of the original Skyway Bridge. Buckhorn was a brilliant engineer, but he was also a troubled man. He was addicted to drugs and alcohol, and he had a history of mental illness.

Buckhorn became obsessed with the Skyway Bridge. He believed that the bridge was unsafe and that it would collapse. He tried to warn people about the dangers of the bridge, but no one would listen to him.

On May 9, 1980, Buckhorn drove his pickup truck onto the Skyway Bridge and set it on fire. The fire caused the bridge to collapse. Thirty-five people were killed in the collapse.

Buckhorn was arrested and charged with arson and murder. He was found guilty and sentenced to death. Buckhorn died in prison in 2022.

The Legacy of the Skyway Bridge

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is a reminder of the triumph of the human spirit. It is also a reminder of the tragedy that can occur when people fail to listen to warnings. The bridge is a beautiful and safe structure, but it is also a monument to the victims of the collapse of the original bridge.

The story of the Skyway Bridge is a cautionary tale. It is a reminder that we must never take our safety for granted. We must always be vigilant and we must always be prepared for the unexpected.

Skyway: The True Story of Tampa Bay's Signature Bridge and the Man Who Brought It Down

by Jayne Buxton

4.7 out of 5