Link loss: Say goodbye to San Francisco’s favorite chain.
Smith Collection/Gado/Gado via Getty ImagesMarine Drive in the Presidio isn’t even a mile along, but as it descends a short hill from Lincoln Boulevard, you’re awarded with one of the most commanding views in San Francisco. Ahead, the Golden Gate Bridge towers above the hulk of Fort Point, while on the right, the constantly churning bay splashes on the rocky shore.
Over the next few weeks, though, that view is going to change. The bridge and fort will still be there, but a large barrier chain that keeps awe-struck drivers from plunging into the icy water is being replaced by a more pedestrian aluminum barrier.
If you haven’t visited the site, you’d be forgiven for wondering what’s so special about a chain. But THIS chain, dangling between crumbling posts and rusty from years of fog and salty spray, has been featured in countless photos on Instagram and Flickr.
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The new barrier lining Marine Drive is smaller, but less romantic, than the former rusty chain.
Golden Gate National Recreation AreaThe new two-rail, 3-foot tall barrier will be more tolerant of the harsh marine environment, said spokesperson Julian Espinoza, and its smaller footprint will make the narrow roadway safer for everyone. And while they’ll still be awarded unobstructed views, he acknowledged the pain of photographers the world over.
“While we appreciate that some visitors really like the old design, the new barrier will improve the safety of the pedestrians, cyclists and drivers using Marine Drive and that’s been our priority for this project,” Espinoza said.
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Though the chain in its current design almost looked as if it was as old as the Civil War-era fort, Espinoza said it was installed only in the 1990s. Its replacement, on the other hand, will look closer to the barrier that lined Marine Drive during the 1950s (a fact confirmed by watching the relevant scene from 1958’s “Vertigo”).
If you’re eager to get one last shot, get there fast, as the project is moving ahead quickly. One lane of the roadway will be closed during the construction period (now scheduled to end Jan. 24), but Espinoza said visitors will still have full access to Fort Point during that time.