Tacoma Narrows Bridge - Tacoma, Washington
Posted by: 
Hikenutty
N 47° 15.250 W 122° 33.050
10T E 533986 N 5233507
The original Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapsed in 1940 in high winds. It taught important lessons to the engineering community. The replacement bridge was constructed in 1950. A second bridge adjacent to the 1950's bridge opens in 2007.
Waymark Code: WM1PFC
Location: Washington, United States
Date Posted: 06/16/2007
Views: 111
The original Tacoma Narrows Bridge was constructed in 1940. The federal government refused to assist with funds and so the plan for the $11 million version of the bridge was scrapped for a thin-plate girder type bridge that could be built for only $6.4 million. Only two months after the bridge's opening it collapsed in high winds. The lessons learned in this catastrophe taught a lot to American bridge designers. The remains of the bridge, nicknamed "Galloping Gertie" lie on the floor of the Puget Sound and were listed on the National Historic Register.
A replacement bridge was built in 1950 and is one of the largest suspension bridges in the world. Currently construction is underway for a second suspension that is adjacent to the current one. It is slated to open in July of 2007. The original bridge will carry westbound traffic and the new bridge will carry eastbound traffic primarily, but will also have one lane of westbound traffic during peak times. The new bridge will require a toll.
The above coordinates are for a good viewing area in Titlow Park. The bridges actual coordinates are N 47° 16.164 W 122° 33.109.
Location:
Highway 16 over Puget Sound
Tacoma, Washington
Type of structure/site: Bridge
Date of Construction: 1950 (replacement bridge - Gertie built in 1940)
Engineer/Architect/Builder etc.: Parsons Corporation
Engineering Organization Listing: National Society of Professional Engineers
Primary Web Site: [Web Link]
Secondary Web Site: [Web Link]
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