Weathered, rusty chains give way to featureless metal railing under Golden Gate Bridge

The end of 2023 saw the National Park Service remove the rusty chains along Marine Drive, the road to Fort Point and a known hotspot for photographers to seek photos of the Golden Gate Bridge with the chain in the foreground.

Feds began removing the sea-battered chains looped around rusty bollards last month in favor of a new aluminum railing that can withstand the weather and environment surrounding the Fort Point area, according to a spokesperson with the Golden Gate National Recreation Area who briefed media outlets about the replacement of the chains.

Many took to social media to share photos of their photos of the chain with the bridge in the background. Some shared their disappointment with the removal of the chains, including photographer Jake Ricker, who is known for taking photos and documenting events of the bridge. Ricker wrote in an Instagram post:

“The water front under The Golden Gate Bridge is about to change forever. This will all be replaced with a dull silver railing in the next week or two. I think we all understand things can’t stay the same forever, but come on. They really could have come up with something that keeps a little of that nostalgic look to such a classic spot in San Francisco.”

According to an alert last month from the National Park Service on its website, temporary lane closures will be in effect Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., so crews could work on the guardrail replacement project along Marine Drive. The alert lasts until Jan. 24.