Photos ~ Colorful clouds, a wonky manhole cover, Tacoma Narrows at night

After driving to a nearby Trader Joe's a couple nights ago Sarah and I were impressed by the scale of the new Tacoma Narrows bridge being constructed right along side the older span. Tonight I set out to photograph it. I set out after dark and determined I might have a chance of avoiding some of the rain that showed up in green on a radar image I viewed online. My first stop was in a neighborhood nearby the bridge from which I could see most of the bridge and all it's pretty construction lights. I thought little of the one or two other cars that stopped nearby seemingly to gaze upon the bridge as I was. From there I drove down a hill on a street that parallels the highway the Narrows bridge carries and noticed plenty of cars pulled over and parked. "Boy," I thought, "it sure is a popular night for viewing the new bridge." Unfortunately for me it turned out the bridge was completely closed off due to some police activity (the Tacoma News Tribune reported the next day it was a "disturbed man" threatening to jump) and the surrounding streets were clogged with folks trying to get onto Hwy. 16 and across the bridge. I wanted to the overpass, took some pictures, was asked by some stuck in the traffic if I knew what was going on, then headed back to my car. Now the rain hit, and it hit hard. I also found myself stuck in a line of cars going no where even though I didn't even want to go where the people ahead of me wanted to. I called Sarah up and she guided me though some nearby side streets so I could escape the mess without sitting in it for too long. Thanks to her and cell phones for helping me out of that frustrating mess. It was fun to take the photos and I was also certainly happy to completely avoid the rain and get the shots I wanted.

Comments (4) | To Top

12/7/2005 @ 11:07am

Kevin,
I wanted to let you know that your photos of the new Narrows Bridge at night have been getting rave reviews. I work for the electrical supply company that has supplied all of those lights. I found your pics on a Google search and passed them to my co-workers. My manager passed them along to the executives at the RAB lighting company and their vice-president liked it a lot as well.

I live in University Place and am familiar with the progress of the bridge, whereas, my managr and our suppliers only see it in the paper.

Thought you’d like to know.

Thanks and nice job!

Tiffany Schmidt

by Tiffany Schmidt

1/1/2008 @ 8:04pm

I was there for opening day, I watched the bridge being built via the internet. I would like to see both bridges in lights, lets not leave the older one in the dark.

Give the pacific northwest a grand view for the world to see. THE GOLDEN GATE IS KNOWN IN THE WORLD of tourism, why not grasp the opportunity. Two bridges with lights inviting the world to come for a visit. This will make you very proud. TACOMA NARROWS PROUD.

You the people of Tacoma Narrows area have an opportunity for excellent tourist growth. Watch the tourist come. Remember build it and they will come. In your case turn on the lights you have a Great big green Icon at your finger tips. A wonderful ability to promote your area to the World. Think about how you can make it work. the twin bridges logo everywhere. And you will be a tourist destination. Show all of your stuff.

by david Westminster, Colorado

3/26/2008 @ 8:35am

I had someone send me these pics...do you know if they are authentic or altered...looks like the date is some time in 2007?

Thanks for your response!

Subject: Lightening hitting Tacoma Narrows Bridge...yikes

NARROWS BRIDGE LIGHTNING - Washington State

Photographer Reed Skyllingstad, who snapped this photo, writes "This photo was taken at 10:47 pm off of my deck. The thunder cracked about 5 se conds after the lightning was seen." Taken near TacomaNarrows at Salmon Beach

This is the first ever picture of lightning hitting the new Tacoma Narrows < st1:placetype w:st="on">Bridge (no damage was done). There was absolutely no editing done to this photo.

by Rhonda

5/11/2009 @ 4:04pm

those must have been some really good memories and also the pictures are sooo beautiful. it must have been a very pretty site to see the bridge at night too.

by richelle