Golden Gate Bridge celebrates 78 years

SAN FRANCISCO (KTVU) - Wednesday marks a historic day for one of the bay's favorite landmarks.

The Golden Gate Bridge opened to the public 78 years ago Wednesday.

The bridge was considered an impossible dream when it was first proposed. But engineers overcame arguments about it being unable to stand up to thick fog, intense winds and dangerous tides.

Work on the bridge finished early and the project came in under budget.

On the morning of May 27th, 1937 around 18,000 people lined up to be among the very first to cross the span.