Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Florida is one of the world's longest cable-stayed concrete bridges
The Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge is a cable-stayed concrete bridge spanning 6.7 km (4.14 miles) over Tampa Bay, Florida. Carrying Interstate 275 (SR 93) and US Route 19 (SR 55), the four-lane bridge links St. Petersburg in Pinellas County with Terra Ceia in Manatee County, handling an estimated 52,000 vehicles daily.
| Road facts: Sunshine Skyway Bridge | |
|---|---|
| Location | Tampa Bay, Pinellas / Manatee Counties, Florida (USA) |
| Route Designation | I-275 (SR 93) / US 19 (SR 55) |
| Length | 6.7 km (4.14 miles) |
| Height / Clearance | 131 m (430 ft) peak height / 54.9 m (180 ft) clearance |
| Surface | Fully paved concrete and steel cable-stayed bridge |
| Toll Road | Yes (SunPass / Toll-by-Plate) |
| Key Hazards | High crosswinds, tropical storms, steep apex incline, fog closures |
Where is the Sunshine Skyway Bridge located?
The bridge spans the entrance of Tampa Bay on the central Gulf Coast of Florida. It connects the southern tip of St. Petersburg with Terra Ceia, serving as a primary regional link between Pinellas and Manatee counties. It's one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
What is the Sunshine Skyway Bridge made of?
The structure is composed almost entirely of precast concrete segments, steel reinforcement, and 21 steel cable stays encased in bright yellow steel tubes. Reaching a total height of 131 meters (430 feet), it is recognized as one of the world's longest cable-stayed concrete bridges.
Is the Sunshine Skyway Bridge a toll road?
Yes, the bridge is a toll facility managed by Florida's Turnpike Enterprise. Tolls are collected electronically via SunPass or Toll-by-Plate in both directions.
Why was the original Sunshine Skyway Bridge destroyed?
On May 9, 1980, during a severe thunderstorm, the bulk freighter MV Summit Venture collided with a support pier on the original southbound span. The impact collapsed 366 meters (1,200 feet) of the continuous steel truss structure, sending six passenger cars, a pickup truck, and a Greyhound bus falling 46 meters (150 feet) into Tampa Bay, killing 35 people. The current replacement bridge opened in 1987.
How high is the drop from the Sunshine Skyway Bridge?
The central main span provides a clearance of 54.9 meters (180 feet) above the Tampa Bay shipping channel. Due to a high number of suicide attempts—over 200 incidents since the 1987 reopening—authorities installed emergency hotline phones along the bridge deck and added high steel safety fencing along the main span.
When does the Sunshine Skyway Bridge close for weather?
The Florida Highway Patrol closes the bridge when sustained winds reach 40 mph (64 km/h) or during severe tropical storms, hurricanes, and heavy fog. The steep climb up to the apex, combined with high crosswinds and parallel yellow cables passing by, creates severe visual vertigo for some drivers.