Royal Gorge Bridge
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The Royal Gorge is one of the most spectacular scenic
attractions in the West. Geologically, the Royal Gorge is one of nature's
rugged masterpieces. Geologists have estimated that the erosive forces of
nature have been at work in the gorge for three million years. Currently, the
force of water and sand are digging the chasm deeper at the rate of two inches
each thousand years so there has not been much change in the depth of the
canyon since it was measured in 1929. Until the famous suspension bridge was
completed in 1929, most visitors viewed the Royal Gorge from the bottom of the
canyon. The bridge itself ranks as one of the world's outstanding suspension bridges.
It is unique in that it is the highest in the world, bridging the Arkansas River
over 1,000 feet below. Other bridges have far greater spans and lengths but none
offer the breathless panorama afforded by the Royal Gorge structure. It was not until after the bridge had been officially opened and dedicated
that the stabilizing wind and guy cables were added to the structure. Without
these, the bridge would not be able to withstand the occasionally gusty winds
that roar down the canyon. Even so, on a windy day visitors will experience the
same effect they would in pacing the deck of an ocean liner on a stormy day at
sea.
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