Tacoma Narrows Bridge Celebrates Fifth Anniversary

The new Tacoma Narrows Bridge opened to traffic five years ago on July 16, 2007.

According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, the bridge was completed four weeks early and $114 million under budget. The new bridge was built parallel to the 1950 bridge to improve safety and relieve traffic congestion.

To celebrate its milestone, here are some fun facts about the bridge. 

Completed

The initial toll was $1.75 for electronic tolling using Good To Go! and $3 for cash.

On July 1, 2008, tolls increased $2.75 for electronic transponders and $4 for cash.

On July 1, 2012, tolls increased to $4 for Good to Go!, $5 cash and $6 for Pay by Mail.

85,000 tons (total weight)

6 million pounds of reinforcing steel

40,500 cubic yards concrete (Tacoma)

37,000 cubic yards concrete (Gig Harbor)

Cable Diameter (each)                

20.5 inches

Each cable contains 19 strands of 464 wires

Individual steel wire is the diameter of a pencil

8,816 steel wires per cable

Click here to learn more about the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.