Catastrophe to triumph: bridges of the Tacoma Narrows

Abstract

This publication is a well-designed, engaging, and exhaustively informative portrayal of the three bridges of the Tacoma Narrows. It is a clear and amply illustrated primer on suspension bridges. It provides a definitive presentation of the world-notorious collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge on November 7, 1940, and it also provides a lucid account of the building of the revised 1950 Tacoma Narrows Bridge that corrected the errors in engineering and administration that led to the collapse. It is also a treasure trove of human stories, curiosities, and interesting facts. The book was published in anticipation of the completion of the new 2007 Tacoma Narrows Bridge, the twin suspension bridge that parallels the 1950 bridge. It fulfils the Washington State Department of Transportation's public information obligation under the Environmental Protection Act and its mitigation obligation under the National Historic Preservation Act for impacts to the 1950 bridge. It serves as a fine history of the debates, technology, and human interest surrounding the Tacoma Narrows bridges and their predecessor ferry. As well, it is a fascinating in-depth look at one particular, significant place in Washington State.