Many bridges around the world are not only functional, but also very beautiful to look at. This puzzle focuses on bridges in the United States which are considered to be major architectural feats (or, defeats).
You should be able to find all of the answers by searching the internet. To complicate it (just slightly), some answers will require you to do some simple math and/or require you to add up the digits in an answer until you are left with only one digit (for example, 1234 would be 1+2+3+4 = 10, 1+0 =1).
The final cache coordinates are at N 44° AB.CDE W 123° FG.HIJ, where:
A= Constructed in 1883, this bridge is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the U.S. Find out the first word in the name of this bridge. Count the number of letters in that first word and then subtract 5.
B= This bridge is one of the tallest single-span concrete bridges in the world with a height of 260 feet. Find out the year this bridge was completed. Add the digits of the year together until you are left with only one digit and then divide by 3.
C= This was the world’s longest cable-stayed concrete bridge when it was completed in 1987. Find out the number of steel cable stays that support the roadway. Subtract 1 from it and then divide by 10.
D= In the spring of 1995, the largest double-swing-span bridge in the United States was dismantled and replaced in only nine days. This feat was accomplished by assembling the huge replacement bridge off site and floating the pieces into place. Find out how many sections were floated into place and then subtract 4.
E= This bridge earned the nickname “Galloping Gertie” for its unusual rolling, twisting behavior. Find out the month and year that this bridge collapsed (MM/YYYY). Add these six digits together until you are left with only one digit and then add 1 to it.
F= When it opened in 1937, this bridge was the world’s longest. Find out the length of the main (center) span. Add the digits together until you are left with only one digit and then divide by 3.
G= This is the world’s longest spanning steel single-arch bridge, constructed in 1978. Find out how many millions of pounds this bridge weighs. Divide this amount by 8. Add the digits of the resulting quotient together until you are left with only one digit.
H= From 1964 to 1981, this bridge held the title as the world’s longest suspension bridge as measured by its main span. Find out how many main cables are used in this bridge and then subtract 1 from it.
I= This is the US’s highest suspension bridge, built in 1929. Find out how many feet high this bridge is above the Arkansas River. Add these digits together until you are left with only one digit and then add 8! It appears that the internet shows two different heights for this bridge ... you will be looking for an answer which was calculated in 2005 and is less than 1000 feet
J= This suspension bridge connects the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan. Find out the total length of the bridge in miles.
Due to its location, this cache is only accessible from 8:00am - 10:00pm, so plan accordingly.
11/16/2010 UPDATE: Cache is now a small pill bottle. You will need to bring your own pen!