FAQ: A. Aubrey Bodine's Bay Bridge Photography and Construction Details

What is the main subject of this content?

This content focuses on A. Aubrey Bodine’s 1950 photograph documenting the construction of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, along with details about the bridge’s construction and Bodine’s photographic career.

When was the Bay Bridge built and how long did construction take?

Work began on November 3, 1949, and the bridge was opened on July 30, 1952, taking approximately 2 years and 9 months to complete.

What are the key specifications of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge?

The bridge measures 4.35 miles from shore to shore (Sandy Point to Kent Island), with the entire project including approach roads spanning 7.727 miles. It required 6,500,000 man hours of work and 60,000 tons of steel, costing about $45,000,000.

Why was the Bay Bridge built in a curved design?

The bridge was built in a graceful, sweeping curve to comply with regulations determined by the Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army, and to land the structure on favorable terrain.

Who was A. Aubrey Bodine and why is he significant?

A. Aubrey Bodine (1906-1970) was regarded as one of the finest pictorialists of the twentieth century, known for his artistic documentary photography that won numerous awards in national and international competitions.

How did Bodine approach photography differently from others?

Bodine believed photography could be a creative discipline and used various techniques including composing in the viewfinder, working on negatives with dyes and intensifiers, pencil marking, scraping, and adding clouds photographically to create his artistic effects.

How can I view or purchase Bodine’s Bay Bridge photograph?

The image can be ordered by typing the ID# 49-018 in the box below Bodine’s portrait on the Home Page at www.aaubreybodine.com, where more than 6,000 of his photographs are available as reprints and note cards.

What makes the Chesapeake Bay Bridge structurally significant?

It is described as the largest continuous entirely-over-water steel structure in the world, linking Maryland’s eastern and western shores.

How was the bridge project funded?

The $45,000,000 cost will be paid for by tolls from this and other state bridges.

Where can I find more information about A. Aubrey Bodine?

More information can be found at www.aaubreybodine.com, which includes the full biography ‘A Legend In His Time’ by Harold A. Williams, or by emailing [email protected] or calling 1-800-556-7226.