The Seattle Traveler

Cross the New Narrows Bridge

by Mary Jo on July 5th, 2007

The New Narrows Bridge, connecting Tacoma (and points east) to Gig Harbor (and points west) opens with great fanfare on Sunday, July 15th.

According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, the schedule of events will be:

8 a.m. - 5k Bridge Run (sponsored by MultiCare)

9:30 a.m. - First Toll Ceremony
Riding in a 1929 Lincoln Touring Car that was the first to cross the existing and original bridges, State Treasurer Mike Murphy and House Speaker Frank Chopp will pay the first toll.

10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m - Walk the Bridge
Deck opens for viewing, photo opportunities, activity stations, and ribbon cuttings. Get your “I walked the bridge” passport.

10:30 a.m. - Safety Remembrance
A commitment to improve driver safety led to this bridge being built. We honor the late Senator Bob Oke and Representative Ruth Fisher and others, whose vision made the bridge possible.

1:30 p.m. - Workers’ Ribbon-cutting
Join Governor Chris Gregoire near the east anchorage and watch a dozen workers, who built the bridge, cut the longest ribbon of the day.

4 p.m. - Event Ends, Cleanup Commences
The celebration ends, and crews begin cleaning up and preparing to open the new bridge to traffic.

The original Tacoma Narrows Bridge experienced a structural collapse in 1940 due to some dramatic high winds.  After this event, the bridge became known by the nickname Galloping Gerty.  Check out this video that capture a portion of the “gallop.”

The bridge was rebuilt and re-opened in 1950.  When the New Tacoma Narrows Bridge opens, the 1950 span will undergo major renovations, with expected completion next summer.

The new bridge is parallel to the old, and will give drivers on State Route 16 two eastbound general purpose lanes, and a “drop” lane in addition to reduced lanes on the old westbound bridge.  Next summer, when the the bridge opens in its final form, the 1950 span will carry traffic westbound, with two general purpose lanes and one carpool lane.  The new bridge will carry eastbound traffic with the current lanes, plus a fourth lane designated for carpooling.

The New Tacoma Narrows Bridge will have a toll eastbound.  The WSDOT has requested a toll of $1.75 for drivers using the Good to Go transponders, and $3 for those paying at the tollbooth.

______________________________________________

Share This

Related Stories

Photo Op: Opening Day for the New Tacoma Narrows Bridge
Zoolights Lights up Your Holiday Season
Photo Op: Floating Bridges Across Lake Washington
There’s a Troll Under the Bridge - The Fremont Troll
Seattle Celebrates Seafair 2008

POSTED IN: Getting Around - Local Transportation, History & Information, Scenic & Short Trips, Sound Like a Local - Local "speak"