Here are the four photos, 5 through 8, on the series that started on my article Chesapeake Bay Bridge Walk.

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).

Next three photos: Chesapeake Bay Bridge Walk - Photos 9-12

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