I was super early for my haircut appointment, so I decided to go to the gas station next to the barbershop and grab myself a Celsius energy drink, the sparkling strawberry passion fruit flavor to be exact.....TMI????? Anywho, the gas station receptionist started small talk with me and made mention of several iconic attractions around puget sound that I should indulge in. One of them was the Tacoma Narrows Bridge pedestrian walkway, so immediately following my haircut, I decided to head over. She even gave me specific parking instructions in order to avoid hazards. I found that location, parked, and entered the walkway through a small break between the fence line. The walkway consists of a two-way walk, run, and bike travel path divided by a Highway Style Guard Rail system. On the way there, there's a very nice scenic view of Mount Rainier from the bridge for those who are into the mountain aesthetics. For me, the engineering and architectural skills that go behind manufacturing such an amazing structure are more gratifying. Also, I may find it more fascinating due to constructing several small-level bridges in the past. As for the water, I've seen on several platforms like Threads, where a lot of the patrons rant and rave about the hydrodynamics of the Narrows, but I am no expert in the mechanics of water current nor am I stimulated by it presently. It was the twin suspension bridge complex for me. Overall, the experience was top-tier and peaceful. read more

Tacoma Narrows Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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Do not change lanes if driving westbound due to grates on the surface. Vehicles will lose traction. Signs are clearly posted. Fine costs $136 if caught by police. Continue driving straight and stay in your lane while on the bridge. If driving eastbound or traveling to Tacoma, drivers are allowed to switch lanes because there are no grates and drivers must pay a toll. Cameras take photos of vehicle license plates that avoids toll pay. Have $5.50 cash ready to pay worker in the toll booth. Change will be given if needed. There's also Good to Go pass for commuters that saves money. Or pay via mail. I've always wondered where workers use the restroom because booth is tiny and vehicles are traveling fast. There are people riding bicycles, ebikes, and runners utilizing both sides of the bridge for exercise. read more

Tacoma Narrows Bridge - Tacoma Narrows Bridge westbound - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Don't forget! Do not change lanes while driving over the bridge. Washington State Troopers will pull you over and give you a huge ticket! Anyways, such a beautiful bridge. I always get a great shot of the bridge when I'm going over it. read more

Tacoma Narrows Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

We were in a rental car so we had to pay the toll on the 16 going towards the airport...the line was short and the toll cashier was super happy and friendly read more

The Tacoma Narrows Bridge connects the Olympic Peninsula to the 'mainland' of Washinton State. This is one a few reviews I've written about bridges and for there to be a page about it catches my attention and pushes me to learn more about the structures. Something about bridges fascinates me whether I cross it once, (twice roundtrip) or multiple times if it is a common route for me or otherwise. The original Tacoma Narrows Bridge had the nick name "Galloping Gertie". Why? That I'm unsure about, though there has to be a story. It's presently considered the "2007 Narrows Bridge" as this represents its current state. The original collapsed in 1940. Luckily no one was hurt or worse at this time, except supposedly someone's puppy that could not be rescued. It was rebuilt better in 10 years, (finished in 1950) Its collapse was due to fierce winds at the time and engineering that couldn't handle it. Even presently with it's remarkable look, warning signs precede the bridge to not change lanes whilst on the bridge. This is probably double-so on a windy day. The Bridge presently being a Twin Suspension bridge with almost a 190 ft. clearance. It's among 50 of the longest bridges in the world. Without continuing with history which may be boring I simply crossed it going to Gig Harbor. It's a nice smooth ride across, both ways. Somewhat high sides so you can't see too much over the sides. The road has some sort of gratings in the lanes. I assume this is to aid in the requests to not change lanes on the bridge, sort of like rumble strips. The Westbound sides bridge pillar is a greenish color, and the Eastbound side is more gray, perhaps due to the length of time between their construction. Either way, the differing colors make the bridge unique in that way. This is a nice pair of bridges that are very important for the area, I'm sure. read more

Tacoma Narrows Bridge - Distant view taken circa 2007 - Britannica.com - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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Formerly known as Galloping Gertie, that version of the suspension bridge collapsed in a very spectacular fashion in the 40s and was rebuilt into what we have today; two bridges, one for each direction. We've learned a lot from that incident so it's pretty safe to say that it won't happen again and the current system is safe to go. This is a suspension toll bridge that will quickly get you over the Sound and over to the less populated areas of the state. Going over to the peninsula from the mainland (westbound) is free while tolls coming eastbound are $5.25+ depending on the number of axels you have. Can you go around? Technically, yeah. Seriously just pay the toll though unless you're looking for a bit of a road trip. Good to go pass is ideal, but there are many options to choose from for payment. If you're going through the toll booth pretty, pretty please have exact change ready! Thanks! Not exactly a destination to go to, but the peninsula has a TON of offer and the Narrows makes access super easy. Go play in the forest, see some crazy tide pools, and support some local businesses! Admire our awesome suspension bridge on the way. read more

Tacoma Narrows Bridge - From Point Defiance - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

My earliest memories of the Narrows Bridge was as a youngster, seeing old, grainy footage of this bridge swaying in the wind and eventually snapping like a twig. I also remember when it was just one bridge and no tolls. Well, now it's 2 bridges, the original going from Tacoma to Gig Harbor and the new span from Gig Harbor to Tacoma, where you have to pay a toll of $6. The new span also has a wide pedestrian path, which has been on my to do list for a while. read more

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This is the newest version of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. The first one blew down in the wind, this one has not so far. In my engineering coursework this bridge was covered as a textbook example of errors in engineering multiplying and leading to failure of a bridge. What are called resonances in the bridge multiplied when a strong wind through the channel containing the bridge exerted just the right force to bring the bridge down. While that is terrifying, as an engineering student I was also awe-struck by the power of wind and nature. We also covered the failure of the bridge earlier in my schooling having been raised in the Puget Sound area, and this is a bridge I recommend visiting just for its beauty and its history. I stopped on the side of the road on Stone Dr NW which runs parallel to the bridge for a very brief bit on the Kitsap Peninsula to get a good view looking down the bridge. There is also the Tacoma Narrows Park where you can get a good side view of the bridge. Driving across the bridge took me less than a minute, so if you want to take pictures and there is no traffic you need to be fast. At a time of peak traffic it may be easier to get pictures as you drive across. If you want to take a more scenic stroll in crossing the bridge there is the Scott-Pierson Trail that you can use to cross the bridge on foot or on bicycle. The bridge is a toll bridge and there are different ways you can pay to cross it. There is a physical office you can turn-off and pay at before the bridge, you can pay using the Good To Go! system, or you can pay by mail. In my most recent drive across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge on Saturday the 18th of April 2020 I chose the pay by mail option. If you go with this option you get a bill in the mail which provides a handful of payment methods you can choose from including online or by snail mail. I received my toll bill in the mail on the 1st of May 2020 with payment due the 16th of May, giving me ample time to pay the bill with my choice of payment method. My toll for crossing the bridge was $7.00. If you do not pay on time there are late payment fees, so try to pay on time. Overall worth the toll to drive across this engineering beauty! read more

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They sure don't build bridges like they used too and we all can be thankful for that in this case, if ever there were something bridge related that has stirred the curiosity of so many it's the failure of the original Tacoma Narrows Bridge which opened July 1, 1940 and failed on November 7, 1940. Most everyone since the beginning of the television age has watched the swinging road deck break apart and fall into the water below. The bridge collapsed because normal speed winds produced aerodynamic forces that matched the bridge's natural frequency or simply put harmonics. "Never has a suspended bridge caused so much suspense". Many may not realize that the old bridge still remains as an artificial reef in the depths under the bridge used today. I was happy to have the opportunity to cross over this bridge, it's another iconic structure with an interesting history, although this bridge isn't as thrilling to cross as it's predecessor I'm sure it is safe and a vital part of the area's infrastructure. The replacement bridge opened on October 15, 1950 today this carries the westbound traffic only the eastbound traffic bridge was built to ease the increasing traffic and opened on July 16, 2007. read more

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Being from Kitsap and living north of Seattle I drive across this bridge way too often. It's definitely cheaper than the ferry and can be virtually hassle free if you get the Good to Go pass, yes it still costs a lot of money, but you can enjoy beautiful scenery and less time sitting waiting for your ferry to come. It's also nice that you only pay one way. I don't drive this much during rush hour, but it's rare that I recall sitting on it in traffic. What inspires this review though is my recent accomplishment of finally crossing the bridge by foot. This has been on my to do list since the new bridge opened in 2007. It took me forever to figure out that the best way to do this is by parking at the War Memorial Park on the Tacoma side. This makes a great trek for a nice sunny day. If you are up for an additional walk you can head over to the Tacoma Narrows airport and have a meal at the HUB in Gig Harbor. I have really enjoyed the new suicide prevention signs. read more

Tacoma Narrows Bridge - New suicide prevention signs. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

I remember being so drunk that I went to the library and typed in the library database search box "I saw the the Tacoma Narrows bridge go bang" and got zero results. If you lived in the US long enough then you may have learned about how the old bridge collapsed and made a banging noise. That was 78 years ago from 2018. By January 2018, I got my van and started to drive on the bridge to see the sights of Washington State. That was the only time I crossed this bridge going Westbound only. Why? It's because they charge for Eastbound bridge. This one of few famous bridges that are known to US history. Others being the GW Bridge and Golden Gate. I must declare if you want to stop and take pictures this is the place to do it. Just make sure you are on the right side. if you don't want to pay that's fine there's an alternate route and the WS ferries. It looks great at night too. read more

This is awesome if you can catch it when the sun is going down around 8pm on the way back from Seattle. A lot of memories at this place!!! read more

Tacoma Narrows Bridge - Tacoma Narrows Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

The Tacoma Narrows Bridge! It is definitely a landmark here in Tacoma. There was an old bridge here at one point and when an earthquake hit it shook the bridge up good, leaving the bridge a tangled mess. Some of it fell into the Narrows below and is still there to this day. The people of Tacoma are very proud of their bridge and they should be. The view on the bridge is great and you can get over to Gig Harbor in no time at all. The way back though you have to pay a toll. Just over six bucks I believe. One would think the toll on the bridge might take you to some place like Seattle or San Francisco but it doesn't. It's just Tacoma. Out of all honesty I don't go over to the peninsula that much unless I have several reasons to go. Unless one errand is very important I don't see paying the toll on a frequent basis but every once in awhile it's fine. It's a part of the cost you come across for some kinds of travel. The best way to enjoy the bridge to it's fullest is to walk it. You can park your car in the War Memorial Park and you can stroll down there quite efficiently. That way you can take your time and get plenty of pictures of the bridge and the view that it offers. I guess some people jump off here if they are feeling suicidal. The bridge has that unfortunate reputation too. Yikes! read more

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I don't get to go over this bridge often so I'm always in awe every time I cross it. It's a beautiful twin pair of suspension bridges. It connects Tacoma with the Kitsap Peninsula. This bridge is about a mile long and has a total of 8 lanes. There is a toll but only going Eastbound. The views are spectacular on a clear day. You can see Mount Rainier at a distance going Eastbound. Even in a somewhat foggy day, this bridge is beautiful. So next time you happen to be in the area and are crossing the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and you're lucky enough to be the passenger, look around and enjoy all its beauty. read more

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Tacoma Narrows Bridge is a smaller, green version of the Golden Gate Bridge which is where I am originally from. Driving through it made me miss home a little bit, but it's a nice drive. There was minimal traffic and the views were great from the bridge. read more

Tacoma Narrows Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

The current Tacoma Narrows Bridge was erected in 1950 and its "twin" completed in 2007. The Bridge(s) now charges a toll going eastbound to pay for the newer bridge. I don't mind paying the toll, using the Good-to-Go Pass. It's still cheaper than paying the exorbitant ferry fee. The views around the bridge is quite lovely and the drive's not too bad either. The original Narrows Bridge "Galloping Gertie" was built in 1940, collapsing 4 months after opening. It now lays peacefully below the waters and is now one of the world's largest man-made reefs. It is actually a registered historical site. If you're a scuba diver, rumor is that the world's largest octopus lives under there! read more

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Great walk to get out or in to Tacoma. It's about a 2.5 mile round trip, and you get to check out nature. It's two bridges - one was the original side with no walkway, and the new side includes a walkway. It had expanded from two lanes, to four lanes to go in and out. If you're driving, it's a toll to go back into Tacoma if you're heading into the island across the lake. Walking is fine. Quick and gives you a nice view of the surrounding area. read more

Today I drove over Tacoma Narrows Bridge ( Galloping Gertie as it once was called) buy today there is two separate bridges. With traffic 2 Lane's going one way in both directions.whay an improvement from back day from the 70's, 80's and 90's. read more

Tacoma Narrows Bridge - Tacoma Narrows Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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WSDOT has done a wonderful job with the construction of the new Narrows bridge...the lanes are wide and fast and easy to cross. The old original bridge has been converted to four lanes back onto the peninsula. While I am not a fan to paying a toll to cross the bridge, I admit that it has solved the traffic problems, and once the I-5/SR-16 connection, I am sure it will be much more efficient. read more

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If your heading West Bound you will be on the original Narrows Bridge, which was built to replace the one that became nationally known as Galloping Gertie (Google it and you can watch that bridge fall down) That bridge also you cannot change lanes once your on the bridge as each lane has the metal things in it. If your heading East Bound, you will have to pay a toll, there are 3 different toll rates, with the most expensive being the one you have to pay if you do it by mail, which runs currently $6.50 if you pay right there its $5.50 and if you have the good to go pass its even cheaper. The toll is there to pay for this new bridge- I highly doubt though that it will ever go away read more

Tacoma Narrows Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

The Narrows Bridge replaces Galloping GERDy, which snapped in two from torsion forces because it was poorly engineered and no one died during the snapping but a Jack Russel Terrier named Jebidiah Wiggleton, because he wanted to fetch a gnaw bone he forgot in human companion's glovebox in their Model-L Windwagon Superplus, no longer made by Ford. GERDy was so-called because it was such a stressful bridge that it gave people GERD to both look at it and drive over it, especially when it collapsed. When GERDy fell, it created so much suction that it created a tidal wave that left Vashon Island completely underwater for three years, a awoke the Kraken, who then came to the surface from the inky depths and thrashed about, and this became a tourist attraction, as many couples would take a wicker pic-a-nic basket to Point Defiance to gaze out upon "Ol Thrashy" and hear his roar competing with the nearby foghorn. A local concessionaire rented cotton ear plugs for a nickel. He charged an Ear Plug Boy to clean the plugs after every 10th use, a job he got paid a penny a week for until he died in 1982. Anyway, this was too much drama, and somebody needed to go to Gig Harbor in an automobile, so they dropped a smallish atomic bomb on Ol Thrashy and built The Narrows Bridge. The Bomb destroyed Ol Thrashy, and caused a "radium glow" to the undersea depths, visible on foggy depths. People drank the water, which was sold as "Narrows Vital Tonic" until most of the customers died a week or two later. After he was bombed, Ol Thrashy split into a thousand pieces, and each severed blob became their own "mini-Kraken," which also thrash and attempt to cause havoc, but really only cause minor vortices and current shifts due to their small size. You can drive, walk, bicycle, motorcycle, rollarskate, amble, shamble, gambol stagger or frolic across The Narrows, but I recommend you do none of these things. You can look over the side, feel the wobble, get queasy, drop to all four's and vomit. But I recommend you do none of these things. You can breathe heavily, scream, howel, and caterwaul, but I recommend you only do two out of three of these things. The Narrows Bridge is located on Pungent Sound, between Tacoma and Gig Harbor, and within earshot of Vashon. I don't know the coordinates, but if you want to go you can ask a friend to consult The Oracle of Gig Harbor, who will provide portents, omens, vague sayings, traffic control, and vegan burger patties for $5.00/$4.00 in the off-season times. Good day. read more

Friendly toll takers, reasonable toll cost ($5.25) and quick access into Tacoma from Bremerton. And yes, plastic is accepted. I like it, I love it,...I want some more of it! read more

Narrows doesn't describe the bridges, but the windy straight the bridges cross. The original bridge really did cross (as in anger) the Narrows as the original span collapsed due to high winds in 1940 - later replaced in 1950. Another bridge with the concrete reinforced towers was added in 2007 that parallels the original metal girder bridge. Although an attempt was made for the bridges to fit harmoniously together, they are not identical twins, but more like mother and daughter. To walk across the bridge from the Tacoma side, start at War Memorial Park (see https://www.yelp.com/biz/war-memorial-park-tacoma), walk to the bottom of the steep park, and follow signs for the bicycle path (see www.yelp.com/biz/scott-pierson-trail-tacoma). From the park to the center of the span of the new Tacoma Narrows Bridge is 1.2 miles. The walkway on the old bridge that wrapped around the towers is no longer accessible. The new path has greater space between cars and pedestrians. The view looks south to the South Sound towards McNeil Island while the northern view is blocked by the older bridge. The old bridge was the third longest bridge span in the world but has dropped the fifth longest in the United States. It's still an impressively long bridge. Compared to the other long suspension bridges in the United States, I like the San Francisco's Golden Gate and Bay Bridges better due to prettier views and more impressive design. I prefer the design of New York's George Washington Bridge, but the view of the Hudson River is less interesting. The Narrows is better in all regards compared to Brooklyn's Whitestone Bridge (which always seems to be under construction). read more

Cool bridge. Solid structure. Tolls but ‍ 10/10 would cross to visit family in Gig Harbor again.

It's two... two... two bridges in one. They're side by side, one old and green, the other with rusty steel in the new suspension cables. Tolls are paid heading east bound, adding insult to injury, as you have to pay to enter Tacoma Washington. It's free if you're leaving Tacky-Town. read more

Neither of the two spans has fallen into the narrows so that makes it A-OK by me! The price to cross it (Eastbound only) keeps going up but they have made it a bit more simple with the choice to pay at the troll booth or drive through and get a bill in the mail. If you have the "Good to go" pass you can just zip on through. Speed at your own risk since at either end is a favorite place for law enforcement to hang out. read more

I didn't realize you could write a review about a bridge..... A good looking bridge/bridges and makes a nice view from my house! read more

Nice walk across the Narrows Bridge. It gives you a different view of the Sound and no toll! read more

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Such a beautiful bridge. I love it. Every time I drive across the bridge I picture in my mind the old video footage of the bridge being whipped around by the wind and then breaking apart. It doesn't scare me, the bridges are built way better now. I love history, and knowing that I just drove where that happened is pretty cool. Awesome bridges. Go see them! read more

Well, it's a bridge. I cross it at least twice a day (rather, once a day on each bridge) and it seems nice. I suppose the only real complaint is that the $4 toll is discouraging, especially since there aren't exactly any other realistic options to get from one side of the Narrows to the other. I recommend crossing on a clear day as the views from the bridge are spectacular! read more

Iconic landmark of beautiful Tacoma. It's a great place to walk, run, or bike, especially on clear, non-windy days. I'll go out on a limb and say that I love it when you can't see the top of the bridges because it's foggy out. The water below looks beautiful on a gusty day, but it does whip your hair right in your face! Just about a mile span for your getting-in-shape-pleasure. Even if you're just using the bridge to visit Gig Harbor or something further west. Take a minute to enjoy the beauty as you drive over it. If you need a little more time to enjoy, you can take in the beauty from the Tacoma Narrows Park or Titlow Park. read more

Beautiful sunset date walk! Park and walk the whole bridge or just half.

I crossed the "Tacoma Narrows Bridge" in Tacoma, WA on 8/20/2012. It is the successor to the 1940 Galloping Gertie bridge. This one didn't fall down as I crossed --- I'll give it three stars. read more

Pretty to look at and to run across, but a bitch that the tolls keep going up. I'm all for paying for the roads we use but it sucks to have to keep paying more and more every time!! Come one George Jetson! Where are the flying cars I so wished we had?!?!? read more

If y'all have ever seen that old, old video where the bridge is bending back and forth and literally twisting in the wind before it breaks apart, this is that bridge! Well, it was the OLD bridge ;) Safe now!! read more

Good solid bridges in both directions. Does not buckle or whip about even in strong winds. Have never been afraid car would be pitched into the Sound. Nice pedesestrian and bike path on newest span. Pedestrians and bikers also have nice solid surface that does not gyrate. Wind socks on bridge are a nice touch so you can keep an eye out if it's windy and are concerned bridge might collapse. read more