After the collapse, there was some talk of simply cutting the suspension strands and letting the damaged remains fall into the Narrows. However, because of the extreme shortage of steel and wire during World War II, attempts were made to salvage all remaining material. Ironically, it would have been more economical for the state to drop the remaining portions of the structure into the deep waters of the Puget Sound.
The two main piers were undamaged and were used to support the second bridge with only minor modifications to the concrete pedestals.
Today, the center span and other debris that fell during the disaster lie on the floor of the Narrows. Galloping Gertie is the largest man-made structure ever lost at sea. It would take 5.56 Titanics positioned end to end to occupy the same space as Galloping Gertie. In addition, the current-swept bottom of the Narrows has transformed the remains into the largest man-made reef, supporting an abundance of marine life.
In 1992, the collapsed and submerged Tacoma Narrows Bridge was placed on the National Registry of Historical Places. Underwater Atmospheric Systems, Inc. gathered and produced material for the submission, including a site plan of the remains developed from sonar soundings. The nomination was accepted, adding the site to the Federal, State, County, and City Registry of Historical Places.
In 2006 during preparation to lay the caisson for the east tower of the third bridge, remains of the first bridge were removed from their resting place. Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) representatives contacted the Gig Harbor Peninsula Historical Society and offered the salvaged historical remains to the museum.
The pieces will undergo conservation and preservation measures to be showcased in a special exhibit funded by WSDOT in the new Harbor History Museum, opening spring 2008. | More
