Photos of the Bay Bridge from the SF Chronicle,
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Construction starts on July 9, 1933. By Jan. 24, 1935, the towers and the beginnings of the eastern span rise from the bay.
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Sep. 2, 1935: The East span's cantilever bridge, still under construction in this photo, connects to five smaller truss spans.
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A ferry passes by the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge on the eve of its opening on Nov. 11, 1936, six decades after Emperor Norton's "mandate." (Chronicle archives)
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Nov. 12, 1936: California Governor Frank Merriam addresses the crowd at the Oakland toll plaza for the opening day ceremony. He and other officials crossed the bridge and repeated their speeches on the San Francisco side.
-You can notice the Key System behind the crowd.
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This test-train car, seen in 1938, is part of the Key System that crosses the Bay Bridge on railroad tracks. (File photo, 1938)
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Oct. 28, 1936: Eugenio Cardinal Pacelli, the Papal Secretary of State who became Pope Pius XII, blesses the new Bay Bridge during his visit. Standing with him, from left to right, are: Count Enrico Galezzi of Rome, Bishop Spellman of Boston, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of San Francisco MSGR. Thomas Connolly, Cardinal Pacelli, Archbishop J.J. Mitty of S.F., Police Chief William Quinn, bridge engineer G.B. Woodruff, and Mayor Angelo Rossi.
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Nov. 12 1936: The first cars drive across the $77 million, 8.4-mile structure. The upper deck is designated for two-way traffic, the bottom for trucks, trains and streetcars. The toll is 65 cents. (Chronicle file photo)