How Long is That Bridge, Anyway? A Tale of Baltimore's Span
Let's talk bridges. Not just any bridge, mind you, but the kind that makes you wonder, "How the heck did they even build that thing?" We're talking about Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge, a behemoth of steel and concrete that spans the Patapsco River like a confident giant.
A Bridge Too Far?
Now, you might be thinking, "Who cares how long a bridge is? It's just a bridge." Well, my friend, you're wrong. Very wrong. The length of a bridge is a crucial factor in determining how long it takes to get from point A to point B. And if you're stuck in traffic on that bridge, you'll have plenty of time to ponder its dimensions.
The Key Bridge, as it's affectionately known, is no slouch. It stretches a whopping 1.6 miles across the water, which is about as long as your average marathon runner's nightmare. But wait, there's more! If you include the approach roads, the whole shebang comes in at a mind-boggling 10.9 miles. That's like running a marathon, taking a nap, and then running another marathon. For a bridge.
A Bridge Full of Surprises
Did you know that the Key Bridge was once the second-longest bridge in the Baltimore area? It's true! But don't feel too bad for it, because it still holds the title of having the third-longest continuous truss span in the world. That's a fancy way of saying it's really, really long and really, really strong.
Imagine the engineers who designed this thing. They must have been sipping coffee and saying, "Let's build a bridge so long, it'll make people question their life choices." And then they did it. Hats off to them.
Bridge Trivia
- The Key Bridge opened in 1977, which means it's older than some of us.
- It's named after Francis Scott Key, the guy who wrote the Star-Spangled Banner while watching the Battle of Baltimore. Talk about dedication.
- A cargo ship once hit the bridge, but it was basically fine. That's one tough bridge.
So, next time you're stuck in traffic on the Key Bridge, take a moment to appreciate its sheer size and engineering marvel. And remember, it could be worse. You could be walking it.
How To Bridge the Gap (In Knowledge)
- How to measure a bridge: Use a really, really long tape measure. Or just Google it.
- How to build a bridge: Hire engineers and pray for good weather.
- How to avoid traffic on a bridge: Time travel, teleportation, or just accept your fate.
- How to appreciate a bridge: Look at it, think about it, and maybe write a poem about it.
- How to cross a bridge: One step at a time, or just take a boat.
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