Above, I am standing on the eastern shoreline looking west. The Eastern Channel cantilever bridges are about 1-1/3 mile away, and the Chesapeake Channel suspension bridges are about 2-2/3 miles away. Click on the photo for a larger version (124K).

Above, the Eastern Channel bridges are cantilever bridges with 58 feet of vertical navigational clearance and 690 feet of horizontal navigational clearance. The water is over 80 feet deep there. Click on the photo for a larger version (144K).

Above, the bridge walkers make their way toward the Eastern Channel bridge. Click on the photo for a larger version (127K).

Above, a closer view of the westbound Eastern Channel bridge. Click on the photo for a larger version (86K).

Above, a closer view of the westbound Eastern Channel bridge. Click on the photo for a larger version (51K).

Above, the high-level approaches to the suspension span are a long-span steel truss construct. Click on the photo for a larger version (92K).

Above, the main two suspension spans have 186 feet of vertical navigational clearance and 1,500 feet of horizontal navigational clearance, which is sufficient for safe high-speed passage of two-way traffic by the largest ocean-going ships. The main spans cross the main shipping channel, Chesapeake Channel, at a right angle, necessitating the curve on the western portion of the complex, since a straight line from the most effective landings for each end of the bridge (based on the 1952 requirements of where the approach highway should be), would cross the main shipping channel at a considerable angle away from a right angle, causing a considerably longer main span than the 1,500 feet required for navigation. So that explains why the bridges have a dogleg in them, rather than a straight line from shore to shore; it was cheaper to build them with a small increase in overall length rather than have them straight with a longer main suspension span. The water at the main span is about 55 feet deep; deep enough so that dredging is not needed. Click on the photo for a larger version (152K).

Above, foundation of tower of suspension span. Click on the photo for a larger version (87K).

Above, the main suspension span, which I already described in detail a couple photos previously. I took this photo with a 50mm (1.0x) regular lens, while all other of my "Chesapeake Bay Bridge Walk" photos were taken with a 135mm (2.7x) moderate telephoto lens. This photo shows well just how massive that the reinforced concrete anchorages are on the westbound bridge. Click on the photo for a larger version (84K).

Above, western high-level approaches to the main suspension span. Click on the photo for a larger version (133K).

Above, western bridge approaches. The Western Shore is one mile away. Click on the photo for a larger version (143K).

Eastbound motorists in the left lane have this view for fleeting seconds. The main spans are about a mile away, the Eastern Channel spans are about 2-1/3 miles away, and the Western Shore is about 3-2/3 miles away. From about Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Bay is chocked full of pleasure boats. The bridge walk takes place before Memorial Day. Click on the photo for a larger version (83K).

Lead article for Chesapeake Bay Bridge Walk
Main article for Chesapeake Bay Bridge