Murray Morgan Bridge, Vertical-lift bridge in Tacoma, United States
The Murray Morgan Bridge is a vertical-lift bridge spanning the Thea Foss Waterway with towers that rise 63 meters (207 feet) above water level. The road deck sits 18 meters (60 feet) high and allows ships to pass underneath.
The American Bridge Company of New York built this steel structure in 1911, opening it to traffic on October 27, 1913. It became essential infrastructure linking Tacoma's waterfront areas and supporting the city's growth.
The bridge takes its name from Murray Morgan, a bridge tender who recorded local history through writing and journalism. His connection to the structure makes it a reminder of how individuals shape a community's memory.
Following major repairs completed in 2012 and 2013, the bridge now has two traffic lanes plus expanded paths for pedestrians and cyclists. Visitors can walk or bike across while enjoying views of the waterway below.
This lift bridge features an unusual four percent grade, a rare design choice for vertical-lift bridges of its period. The slope was intentional and sets it apart from similar structures built elsewhere.
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