Cross the New Narrows Bridge
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.
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July 8th, 2007 at 12:01 pm
I am in from Vancouver, Wa. Looking for a group of people to join on the 15th. Anyone else wants to join let me know!
Thanks
-Keith
kwellbor@gmail.com
July 9th, 2007 at 7:34 am
Anyone putting together a group event, or have room for one more person walking the bridge? Email Keith with the details, or leave them here in the comments.
July 11th, 2007 at 12:00 pm
[...] Jo tells us about the opening festivities of a new bridge connecting Tacoma, Washington to Gig [...]
July 22nd, 2007 at 6:11 am
[...] The new Tacoma Narrows Bridge opened last weekend amid lots of festivities. Opening Day events went off without a hitch, and runners (in photo), walkers, and drivers [...]