In the shadow of the twin spans at Tacoma’s War Memorial Park, Gov. Chris Gregoire yesterday commemorated the first anniversary of the new bridge across the Narrows. The governor was joined at the celebration by Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Deputy Secretary Dave Dye, Gig Harbor Mayor Chuck Hunter, Tacoma Mayor Bill Baarsma, and other elected and community leaders.

“The Tacoma Narrows Bridge project has exceeded expectations both in improving transportation safety and relieving congestion,” Gregoire said. “This bridge serves as a wonderful example of how a well-planned transportation project can provide significant relief to commuters.”

According to WSDOT, since the bridge opened July 16, 2007, the number of collisions is down 60 percent, with no deaths or serious injuries. Putting opposing traffic on separate bridges has given motorists more room to maneuver and has contributed to this drop in collisions.

During peak commutes, average speeds over the bridge have doubled for drivers. Prior to the new bridge opening, morning commute speeds in the Gig Harbor area were approximately 25 to 35 miles per hour. Since the eastbound bridge opened, drivers are experiencing morning commute speeds of 55 miles per hour over the bridge, which is the posted speed limit. Nearly 85 percent of morning commuters are using the electronic toll lanes. More than 100,000 electronic tolling accounts have been purchased, roughly four times the original goal set for the tolling program.

The governor congratulated state and local leadership and the WSDOT-Tacoma Narrows construction team who worked together to get the project done. WSDOT completed the massive and complicated project four weeks ahead of schedule and $114 million under budget.

For more information, visit http://www.tacomanarrowsbridge.com .