4. USA’s Tacoma Narrows Bridge
Situated in the USA, close to Tacoma, Washington
Originally founded in 1940, the replacement of the original in 1950, and the eastbound span in 2007
Price: $6 million for the collapsed 1940 bridge, $14 million for the 1950 bridge, and $849 million for the eastbound addition in 2007
A story of engineering progress, the Tacoma Narrows Bridge is located close to Tacoma, Washington. Aerodynamic instability caused the original 1940 bridge, commonly known as “Galloping Gertie,” to collapse a few months after it opened, costing $6 million. The replacement, built in 1950 for $14 million, and the $849 million eastbound span built in 2007 are examples of the progress made in bridge design and construction.

USA’s Tacoma Narrows Bridge ©Sounderbruce/Commons Wikimedia
These bridges, which provide vital transportation connections and serve as constant reminders of the value of robust infrastructure, unite the Tacoma region across Puget Sound. The tale of the Tacoma Narrows bridges is an engrossing account of ingenuity, learning from mistakes, and civil engineering advancement.
