The Golden Gate Bridge, a symbol of the Great Depression in the golden city, was closed to vehicle traffic on January 10th and 11th. The Golden Gate Bridge was opened to traffic on May 28, 1937, but the bridge was a dream that had been in the hearts of many for more than a century.

The 4,200-foot long suspension bridge was shut down to public vehicles so workers could install a, “movable median barrier designed to prevent head on collisions,” explains ABC News, “This is part of an effort to increase safety on the iconic structure.”

The Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District announced, prior to the closing, that the bridge would be open to emergency vehicles, transit buses, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

Before the new barrier project, small plastic tubes were all that separated traffic moving in both directions. The Golden Gate spokeswoman, Priya David Clemens, stated that there had been 128 head on collisions, leading to 16 fatalities since 1970.

The movable barrier is created from 3,500 steel clad concrete blocks that are attached together by steel pins.

A benefit of the barrier being moveable means that the six lanes can be reconfigured during rush hour to allow for a larger flow of commuter cars at rush hour. The barrier will be moved using two zip trucks operated by two men in each.

This closer is the longest in history and first since 1987, when the bridge was closed for a short time to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its construction.

Marin County officials said, “The speed limit will be dropped from 55 mph to 45 mph on the descent from Marin County at the bridges North end.”

Officials advise that motorists use extreme caution while adjusting to the new change because the barrier has taken six inches from the closed lanes.

The cost of the barrier was $30 million, but in December, the bridge board of directors, approved a decision for a $76 million suicide barrier to stop dozens of people each year from jumping to the deaths.

More than 1,400 people have jumped of the bridge since it was opened in 1937. The design for this net would include stainless steel cable nets that will absorb a person, making it difficult to get out until help arrives.

As a symbol of greatness and strength in San Francisco, California. Officials are working to make the bridge a safer place for all.