Originally posted by Turbo Tim 1
We have some issue with facts, the skyway bridge is 193 feet above the water at its highest point and spans a distance of 1200 feet. Here's a picture doesn't look like a 45 degree angle to me or a mile long for that matter. There may not be a troll under the bridge but we do have one here!!!!
#ad
Yeah, it's not that steep. But it feels like it. Even I, raised in the hilly country of East Tennessee, have become acclimated to the flat expanse of Florida. I think the highest point in Pinellas County (the peninsula on the West side of Tampa Bay) is something like 22 feet MSL. The road that follows this lofty height is 'Ridge Road':-laf . My driveway back in Knoxville changed more than 22 feet.
Anyway, after being where it's flat for a year now, driving that bridge feels like you're going straight up. 200' is a
long way down, when a typical days driving might give you a 20' elevation change (on an overpass). It is a pretty bridge, though, and quite long--spans the entrance to the Bay, and there's some big bloody ships putting in at the Port of Tampa. Cruise ships, on occasion.
BTW, the old truss bridge in the background--it's not there anymore. Look closely, and you'll see that only one of the two spans is intact. The new Skyway was built after a freighter hit the other one early in the morning back in 1980 and the center span of the (I believe) Southbound side collapsed! It was foggy that day, so a few dozen (I think) vehicles went sailing off into the Bay before they got stopped, including a Greyhound bus. One guy survived after bouncing his car off the deck of the freighter and into the bay. Lots of broken bones, though.
I saw a picture from an old newspaper--one car stopped with the frame resting on the edge, wheels hanging over. Not what I'd want to wake up to in the morning!:--)
Edit:
Here's some pictures, if you're interested:
http://www.geocities.com/pagesbydave/SunSkyDemoHis.html
Oh, and the bridge itself is more like 4-5 miles long. The center span, between the two main support columns, is 1200 feet. It's a bloody big bridge. I think the crossing runs for about 15 miles on low bridges, and hops a few small sandbars before you get to the Skyway itself. That picture is taken from 5-10 miles away--not much sense of perspective.
--Ty
I know, I know--Off Topic.
It is an interesting bridge, though, and about the only grade to pull within 500 miles...
Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
He is upset that they can charge $100 for each item (3 oil leaks=$300). I told him that was life... he was heartbroken when I bought a Dodge 
