<P> In 1961, BART completed a study that determined the bridge's suspension section was capable of supporting planned rapid transit rail service on a new lower deck . These plans were not followed out . </P> <P> The bridge has approximately 1,200,000 total rivets . </P> <P> The color of the bridge is officially an orange vermilion called international orange . The color was selected by consulting architect Irving Morrow because it complements the natural surroundings and enhances the bridge's visibility in fog . Aesthetics was the foremost reason why the first design of Joseph Strauss was rejected . Upon re-submission of his bridge construction plan, he added details, such as lighting, to outline the bridge's cables and towers . In 1999, it was ranked fifth on the List of America's Favorite Architecture by the American Institute of Architects . </P> <P> The bridge was originally painted with red lead primer and a lead - based topcoat, which was touched up as required . In the mid-1960s, a program was started to improve corrosion protection by stripping the original paint and repainting the bridge with zinc silicate primer and vinyl topcoats . Since 1990, acrylic topcoats have been used instead for air - quality reasons . The program was completed in 1995 and it is now maintained by 38 painters who touch up the paintwork where it becomes seriously corroded . </P>

What is the original color of the golden gate bridge