Cracks have been discovered on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in Washington state, 84 years after the original structure famously collapsed into Puget Sound. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced on Wednesday that the cracks were found 'beneath the driving surface' of the massive suspension bridge, which connects Tacoma with the Kitsap Peninsula.
Emergency Repairs Underway
The bridge, used by approximately 91,000 vehicles daily, is undergoing emergency repairs that will close two of its four driving lanes. WSDOT urged motorists to carpool, work from home, or cancel travel plans while repairs are made, noting that the double lane closure 'could go through the weekend.'
Historical Context: The 1940 Collapse
The troubling development comes nearly eight decades after the bridge, nicknamed 'Galloping Gertie,' plummeted into the water on November 7, 1940. Terrifying footage captured the crossing rocking back and forth as 40mph winds caused the suspension bridge to violently sway until it tore apart completely. Incredibly, no humans were killed, but a three-legged black cocker spaniel named Tubby lost his life that day.
Tubby was in the backseat of his owner Leonard Coatsworth's car when the vehicle suddenly stopped, and Coatsworth abandoned the car, according to WSDOT's bridge history webpage. Coatsworth attempted to rescue his dog, but the bridge became too unstable. Photographer Howard Clifford and Professor Farquharson also tried to save Tubby, but the terrified dog bit Farquharson and refused to move before the bridge collapsed. Coatsworth later filed a claim and was awarded $450 for the loss of his car and $364.40 for its 'contents,' including Tubby.
Bridge Reopening and Expansion
The portion of the bridge that fell now serves as an artificial reef. The bridge officially reopened in 1950 after delays from financial and engineering issues, as well as US involvement in WWII. It was expanded in 2007 and joined by a new parallel suspension bridge to handle traffic congestion to the south. The new bridge was celebrated on July 15, 2007, with a 5k walk-run attended by nearly 60,000 people.
Recent Repairs and Public Reaction
This is not the first time the bridge has needed urgent repairs. A cracked beam caused a similar two-lane shutdown in 2024. WSDOT attributed the fracture to 'years of underfunding' for statewide highway maintenance, stating, 'Unfortunately, given the number and age of our bridges, there is just not enough dedicated funding to keep them from developing age-related problems.'
Locals took to social media to react. One Facebook user wrote, 'That’s called lack of maintenance which the state of Washington and every other government agency is good at.' Another commented, 'Maybe you wouldn’t need “emergency repairs” if you would maintain that bridge!' Others commended officials, with one saying, 'Get her fixed up. Thanks for all the bridge crew does !! Tough job and spooky.'
