Floating Bridge for 100 Year Storm

In 1979 the west half of the Hood Canal Floating Bridge, built in 1960, in Seattle broke up and sank during a storm that lasted eight hours with winds of 80 mph and gusts over 100 mph. After considering different replacement alternatives, the Washington State Department of Transportation concluded that a floating bridge was the best and least costly coice for the site--a 7500 ft crossing with water depths up to 34 ft, a tide range of 16 ft, and exposure to wind and waves. The configuration of the replacement bridge including draw span design and cable anchorages is described. Methods of financing and constructing the bridge are also presented.