[110] In December 2019, it was reported that construction of the suicide prevention net had fallen two years behind schedule because the lead contractor, Shimmick Construction Co., had been sold in 2017, leading to the slowdown of several existing projects. The best spot for that is below the bridge at Crissy Field and Fort Point. And now, with drones becoming smaller, increasingly capable, and ever more affordable, even more people are using their unmanned aircraft to photograph the famous landmark. This guide is broken into four geographical sections, each offering its own unique views of the bridge. [117] A $392million program was initiated to improve the structure's ability to withstand such an event with only minimal (repairable) damage. If you're interested in the history of the Golden Gate Bridge, twice-weekly (Thursdays and Sundays) free walking Bridge tours are offered by San Francisco City Guides, a non-profit organization associated with the San Francisco Public Library. If needed, you can contact the Welcome Center at (415) 426-5220 or customerservice@goldengatebridgestore.org . The Round House is now Equator Coffee. This deck replacement was the bridge's greatest engineering project since it was built and cost over $68 million. Six lanes of traffic crossing the bridge Structural Features It was initially designed by engineer Joseph Strauss in 1917. The review board's report, released in April 1962, concluded that running BART on the bridge was not advisable.[60]. [28] Ellis was also tasked with designing a "bridge within a bridge" in the southern abutment, to avoid the need to demolish Fort Point, a preCivil War masonry fortification viewed, even then, as worthy of historic preservation. Strauss also innovated the use of movable safety netting beneath the men working, which saved many lives. The area became a strategic military site during the civil war. On site are two parking lots, public bathrooms, souvenir sales and displays with relics and educational information about the history and construction of the bridge. It goes up to the blufftops, past the abandoned gun batteries and ends up at the south end of the Bridge.