The Golden Gate Bridge, since its completion in 1937, has undergone continuous maintenance and several major repairs to ensure its structural integrity, safety, and iconic appearance are preserved. The harsh marine environment, with its salt air and fog, along with the high volume of traffic, necessitates ongoing upkeep. Here’s an overview of the key maintenance and repair activities over the years:

Painting and Rust Prevention

• Continuous Painting: Contrary to popular belief, the bridge has never been repainted in its entirety all at once but undergoes continuous touch-up painting to protect its steel from corrosion. The bridge’s original paint was lead-based; over time, it has been replaced with zinc silicate primer and acrylic emulsion topcoats.
• Rust Removal: Maintenance crews regularly remove rust and apply new paint to sections of the bridge to prevent corrosion. This is crucial for the longevity of the steel structure.

Seismic Retrofitting

• Starting in the 1990s and continuing into the 21st century, the Golden Gate Bridge has undergone significant seismic retrofitting to improve its ability to withstand earthquakes. This multi-phase project aimed to enhance the safety of the bridge without compromising its historic appearance.
  • Phase 1 focused on strengthening the Marin and San Francisco approaches to the bridge.
  • Phase 2 reinforced the north and south viaducts.
  • Phase 3, the most complex, involved upgrading the main span and the two towers.

Roadway and Deck Work

• Deck Replacement: In 1986, the bridge's original deck was replaced with a lighter, stronger steel orthotropic deck, significantly reducing the load on the bridge and improving its wind resistance.
• Installation of a Movable Median Barrier: In 2015, a movable median barrier was installed to prevent head-on collisions, enhancing safety for motorists.

Wind and Aerodynamics

• Adjustments have been made to the bridge's aerodynamics to address the issue of vibration and swaying caused by high winds. These include modifications to the handrails and the installation of aerodynamic fairings to stabilize the structure.

Cable Maintenance

• The bridge’s main cables and suspender ropes are regularly inspected and maintained. This includes addressing wear and corrosion, ensuring the structural elements that support the bridge remain strong and reliable.

Safety and Access Improvements

• Sidewalk Upgrades: The pedestrian walkways have been improved over time to enhance accessibility and safety for walkers and cyclists.
• Structural Health Monitoring: Advanced monitoring systems have been installed to continuously assess the bridge's structural health and identify needs for maintenance or repairs promptly.

Environmental and Aesthetic Considerations

• Environmental protections are in place to ensure that maintenance activities do not harm the surrounding natural habitats. Efforts are also made to maintain the aesthetic integrity of the bridge, preserving its iconic status.

The maintenance and repair of the Golden Gate Bridge are overseen by the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District, which allocates significant resources to these efforts. The ongoing commitment to maintenance ensures that the bridge remains not only a vital transportation link but also a cherished historical landmark and symbol of engineering excellence.