October
14, 1950
The Tacoma Narrows Bridge
The second Tacoma Narrows
Bridge opened to traffic, replacing the previous span that had collapsed in a
storm on November 7, 1940, four months after it had opened. The $18,000,000 structure was the third
longest suspension bridge in the world at that time, and was nicknamed
"Sturdy Gertie" in contrast to the previous bridge, dubbed
"Galloping Gertie"
The Tacoma Narrows Bridge is
a pair of twin suspension bridges that span the Tacoma Narrows strait of Puget
Sound in Pierce County, Washington. The bridges connect the city of Tacoma with
the Kitsap Peninsula and carry State Route 16 (known as Primary State Highway
14 until 1964) over the strait.
Tolls were charged on the
bridge for the entire four-month service life of the original span, as well as
the first 15 years of the 1950 bridge. In 1965, the bridge's construction bonds
plus interest were paid off, and the state ceased toll collection on the
bridge. Over 40 years later, tolls were reinstated as part of the financing of
the twin span, and are presently collected only from vehicles traveling
eastbound.
Born in 1950?
Then
congratulations for turning 65 and entering the world of Medicare. If you
would like to know more about the maze we call Medicare …
