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.
As California Director of Public Works, he oversaw construction of the first freeway in the American West.
He worked primarily in the public sector on the United States west coast throughout his life.
His first full-time position was with the Union Pacific Railroad, during which he built a steel girder span in Wyoming, his first bridge.
After he left employment with the state of Oregon in 1918, he became a District Engineer for U.S. Bureau of Public Roads.
In 1928, Purcell was appointed by Governor C. C. Young as the California State Highway Engineer.
When the commission finished its work, Purcell was appointed by Governor Jim Rolph as the Chief Engineer responsible for the design and construction of the bridge.
Purcell established California as a pioneer in metropolitan freeway development and his work anticipated interstate highway design standards by more than 10 years.
[2] Purcell served on presidential commissions and was elected as President of the American Association of State Highway Officials.