A Tale of Three Bridges - 2007
The New Tacoma Narrows Bridge
The new suspension bridge is being built parallel to and south of the existing bridge, providing two general purpose and a HOV lane for eastbound traffic. The new bridge will include a separated path for bicycles and pedestrians. |
New parallel bridge completed by: Early 2007
1950 bridge (retrofit) completed by: Early 2008
In September 2002, construction began on Tacoma Narrows
Bridge III. Two years later, the project was nearly half complete.
By September 2004, bridge builder Tacoma Narrows
Constructors had finished the two bridge caissons, or tower foundations,
in the water. On land, they were paving new roadways, building the east
and west anchorages and numerous retaining walls, and installing drainage
facilities. They had completed two half-diamond interchanges and a highway
underpass, and had started building the toll facility. Along the way, the
project remained right on schedule.
Tacoma Narrows Bridge III is the largest suspension
bridge built in the United States since 1964. Its foundations stand a
mere 60 feet south of the current bridge's foundations. This $849 million
project will also improve 2.4 miles of State Route 16, and will renovate
the existing bridge with seismic upgrades and a new deck.
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