Murray Morgan Bridge
In 2007, the bridge was closed because of safety concerns and the general wear and tear that the bridge had suffered in its near 100-year lifespan. Soon afterwards, the city began a large rehabilitation project to completely overhaul all aspects of the bridge. In 2010, the bridge began periodically opening to bikes and pedestrians. In February 2013, the bridge re-opened to all traffic.
Name
Originally known as the 11th Street Bridge, it was renamed May 21, 1997, to honor Tacoma-born Murray Morgan (1916–2000), the best-known Pacific Northwest historian of his generation, and author of "Skid Road", a history of Seattle, Washington. Morgan was a bridge tender on the bridge during the 1950s. In fact, he wrote most of "Skid Road" during quiet periods on the job.
Closure
The bridge was officially closed to vehicles on October 23, 2007, due to "life safety concerns". The bridge re-opened February 2013 after a large rehabilitation project.
Opening
On February 1, 2013, the bridge re-opened after a large rehabilitation project was completely finished. Down from four lanes to two, the bridge is now solid black (its original color) and features antique-esque lighting (actually LED bulbs) to celebrate the bridge's centennial anniversary. The outer two lanes were converted to larger pedestrian paths and bike lanes. An elevator connects pedestrians and bikes to Dock Street below the bridge. The bridge's environmental impact has been lessened; a new water runoff system routes rainwater to tanks that contribute to a rain garden on the east side of the bridge. The computers, cables, and motors that operate the lift in the center of the structure were also updated.
Damage
On December 15, 2010, it was discovered that thieves had broken into the mechanical room and stolen wiring from the control panel used to raise the bridge for ship traffic on the Foss Waterway. As part of the rehabilitation project, the computers and electrics in the bridge were replaced.
See also
References
- ^ Long, Priscilla (2003-09-06). "the Free Online Encyclopedia of Washington State History". HistoryLink.org. Retrieved 2011-08-20.
- ^ Soderberg, Lisa (1979). HAER Inventory - City Waterway Bridge. Historic American Engineering Record. Retrieved June 4, 2021.
- ^ "WSDOT: City Waterway Bridge". Wsdot.wa.gov. 2006-05-18. Retrieved 2011-08-20.
- ^ Santos, Melissa (November 12, 2007). "Broken promises on bridge". The News Tribune. Tacoma, Washington. Archived from the original on September 13, 2012. Retrieved August 15, 2012.
- ^ "Murray Morgan Bridge Frequently Asked Questions". City of Tacoma. Archived from the original on September 7, 2012. Retrieved August 15, 2012.
- ^ https://www.thenewstribune.com/2010/04/01/1131184/murray-morgan-bridge-reopening.html.
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(help) - ^ Larson, John (30 March 2010). "Murray Morgan Bridge opens for pedestrians". Tacoma, Washington. Archived from the original on 2015-09-24. Retrieved 2 February 2013.
- ^ Gillie, John (1 February 2013). "Tacoma's Murray Morgan Bridge reopening". The News Tribune. Tacoma, Washington. Archived from the original on 4 February 2013. Retrieved 2 February 2013.
- ^ Long, Priscilla (2003-05-16). "the Free Online Encyclopedia of Washington State History". HistoryLink.org. Retrieved 2011-08-20.
- ^ Lange, Greg (2002-11-29). "the Free Online Encyclopedia of Washington State History". HistoryLink.org. Retrieved 2011-08-20.
- ^ Hagey, Jason (October 24, 2007). "Murray Morgan closed". The News Tribune. Archived from the original on February 4, 2013. Retrieved August 15, 2012.
- ^ "Safety Concerns Close Murray Morgan Bridge" (Press release). WSDOT.
External links
- Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) No. WA-100, "City Waterway Bridge, Spanning City Waterway at State Route 509, Tacoma, Pierce County, WA", 7 photos, 2 measured drawings, 27 data pages, 1 photo caption page
- Historylink - Tacoma's Eleventh Street (City Waterway) Bridge opens on February 15, 1913.
- Historylink - Washington renames Tacoma's Eleventh Street Bridge as Murray Morgan Bridge on May 21, 1997.
- Puget Sound Transportation Projects - Murray Morgan Bridge