Charles H. Purcell | |
|---|---|
| Born | 27 January 1883 North Bend, Nebraska, U.S. |
| Died | 7 September 1951 (aged 68) Sacramento, California, U.S. |
| Burial place | East Lawn Memorial Park |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Civil engineer |
| Known for | Chief engineer of the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge |
Charles Henry Purcell (27 January 1883 – 7 September 1951)[1] was one of the most distinguished civil engineers in the United States during the 20th century. He was the chief engineer of the San Francisco - Oakland Bay Bridge, which was his most notable design. The American Society of Civil Engineers selected the Bay Bridge as one of the seven modern civil engineering wonders of the United States in 1955. As California Director of Public Works, he oversaw construction of the first freeway in the American West. He also oversaw design of the first stack interchange in the world, the Four Level Interchange just north of downtown Los Angeles. He played an instrumental role on the National Interregional Highway Committee which persuaded Congress to authorize the Interstate Highway System. He worked primarily in the public sector on the United States west coast throughout his life.