Storm Over The Narrows
by Jani Freimann
Title
Storm Over The Narrows
Artist
Jani Freimann
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
This image is a view of the Tacoma Narrows through a rainy window.
Almost every time I cross this bridge I wish my camera was with me because the lighting and the weather can be so beautiful. I met a gal once who won an award for her photo of the bridge she took while standing on the roof of her house. It was indeed award worthy. I have a greeting card of her storm-just-passed-and-the-sun-is-shinning version. I'm very fond of emotional skies.
The original narrows expansion bridge was made famous when it tore apart from 40mph winds. Although it was considered to be able to withstand more wind than its big brother, The Golden Gate Bridge, the problem was that the Narrows bridge was designed poorly and was much narrower. Washington's DOT engineers from Olympia did not like the design calling it "fundamentally unsound". The design made the Narrows Bridge lighter and narrower than any bridge ever built, they said, "in the interests of economy and cheapness."
A solid deck and solid sides caused the bridge to act like an airplane wing and would oscillate - lift on one side and then the other as the wind passed over and under the bridge (aeroelastic fluttering). It was nicknamed Galloping Girtie during its construction in 1938 by the construction workers because of this lifting action.
When the winds weren't too bad, people still drove across it.
The bridge was a sight-seeing attraction from its beginning. People would picnic nearby to watch its construction. After its construction and after people experienced Galloping gerties tricks of rolling and ossilating, word got out and thrill-seekers drove to the Narrows from miles around when the ripples started. Some motorists became "seasick" and avoided using the bridge. For adventurous spirits, the bridge became an amusement ride. Drivers crossing the span at times saw a car in front of them suddenly disappear into the trough of a wave. Moments later it reappeared as the roadway rose. According to one report, a couple of times drivers experienced waves 10 feet high.
November 7, 1940 it finally twisted itself apart from severe wind induced oscillation.
That day, there was one car stranded on the bridge and a man and his dog. The bridge had been closed due to dangerous ossilation activity. The man tried desperately to get his dog out of the car, but the dog would not budge. The man ran off the bridge to safety leaving his dog. Shortly thereafter, the car and the dog plummeted to the waters below when the bridge suspension cables snapped and the road tore apart.
The invaluable information gained from the bridges destruction is now used as an example in physics and science books. When my dad studied to be a pilot he said that they discussed the failure of that bridge.
It was only in use from July 1, 1940 to November 7, 1940.
During its construction, there were two unfortunate accidents. One was of a construction worker who slipped and fell 12 feet to his death and the other was one day later of a painter who fell, but survived.
During that four months it was open, more cars went across than in a year of ferry crossings. Businesses and homes were cropping up. Having a bridge was good for the economy.
A new four-lane bridge (two one way and two the other) replaced it and was opened to the public October 14, 1950. It took ten years to build because of the lack of material due to the war.
Grates were placed between each lane and down the center. You can see the waters below as you drive across and car tires create a "zipper" sound when they run over the expansion joints on either end.
The side also allowed for wind to pass through. That bridge still stands today and is the metal green one on the left of this photo. Traffic through the Tacoma Narrows Strait linking Tacoma and Gig Harbor was getting too heavy for two lanes so a new concrete bridge was voted in and built (Many were angry that people from far away cities, who would never use the bridge, were allowed to vote for having a toll bridge. Not just any toll bridge, but one that can have the fee raised without having to first go to vote for those who use it. The toll has since been raised twice and will continue to go through increased tolls until it is paid for).
The four lanes of the old, green bridge is now used to go to Gig Harbor and the new concrete tolled bridge is used to go to Tacoma.
I know several people who won't cross the bridge because of its history and because of the severe winds that pass through there and probably because of the see through grates.
Before the concrete bridge was open for traffic use, they opened it to pedestrians to walk across. My family and I did that parade. A once in a lifetime opportunity to walk where the cars drive, to stop and look at the construction up close, take photos, and people watch. Lots of people dressed up in costumes. A fun and memorable experience.
Before the new bridge was constructed. There was a few times when the green, metal bridge was closed due to ice storms, but that was a rare occurrence. Not sure if it was because of the bridge being icy or icicles on the cables or both. I wish that they would light the bridge up at night. After all, it is beautiful and the tolls are steep. Give us a show for our money. $5 a crossing with the Good To Go pass and $6 at the toll gate for now.
Uploaded
April 10th, 2015
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