Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Item
Title
TPL-4916
Date(s)
- 1940-11 (Creation)
Extent
Name of creator
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
Once the pride of Tacomans and peninsula residents, the Narrows Bridge collapsed during a 35 mph rain and windstorm on November 7, 1940. The bridge had only been open for traffic since July 1st. This view of the ruined $6,400,000 suspension bridge was taken from the Tacoma end and shows the two 425-foot steel towers still standing as well as the sagging east and west approach spans. The 2,800-foot center span had collapsed and plunged into the swift waters of Puget Sound after much twisting and buckling. Motorists had complained about the extreme rocking motion of the bridge before the disaster. It would take until 1950 for the second Narrows Bridge to be constructed and its cost more than doubled. A third Narrows Bridge would open in 2007. (T.Times 11-7-40, p. 1+; T.Times 11-8-40, p. 1+)
Bridges--Tacoma--1940-1950; Suspension bridges--Tacoma; Tacoma Narrows Bridge (Tacoma);