This afternoon, or rather yesterday afternoon, Manda and I were traveling back from Tacoma. We were on the old span, driving along, and we spied a larger type car with its turn signal on. Wait, we’re on the old span, we’re maybe 1/4th of the way and someone wants to change lanes? Are you for real? And wait, he’s got Washington plates. I mention all that because you know, the old span clearly states “DO NOT CHANGE LANES ON BRIDGE”. It always has. But sure enough, Manda and I watched in abject horror yet fascination as this car actually changed lanes on the old span, crossing the grates to do so. Yes, I said grates. Yes, they also facilitate as lane dividers…but they’re huge grates and you can see down right through them to see the Narrows. I’m not lying, not in the least, because I’ve walked the entire old span of the bridge. I even walked on the new span of the bridge during the opening ceremony. Amazing to be a Washingtonian who has done this, you bet. Absolutely. It’s something I’ll cherish forever.
So the guy’s car didn’t flip. His car didn’t go flying anywhere even though there was a nice stiff breeze going on at the Narrows. But it was like watching a NASCAR race (yes, I detest nascar or the idea of it being in Kitsap County but yes, I have watched it before. I even sold it for over a year. Think I don’t know NASCAR? Oh I do….but I see some of the corporate greed behind it, and the disrespect of some of the promoters and it sickens me. Because back in the day, say like hm, Wally Dallenbach or even Richard Petty, it was about racing and having a good time and providing that entertainment to people, not about greed and lies and how much exorbitant amounts of money can we get out of it. Or at least that’s my thought.) and you’re watching and waiting for that huge crash, and praying that even though yes, it was spectacular, that the driver walks away and is okay.
Manda and I clapped for the driver and his passenger. Our thought was, well, he did it, and he was still in one piece, and that’s super lucky for him. You wouldn’t catch me doing it, not now, not ever. I don’t care what’s going on that it’s SO SO important to switch lanes on the old span of the Tacoma Narrows. It’s not *that* important. And I don’t think that WSDOT put those HUGE signs that you see on each side of the old span that say “DO NOT CROSS LANES ON BRIDGE” just for looks or to inconvenience your average Tacoma commuter. I’m betting it’s a safety issue. And yes, I offer you this little anecdote as my thought on it. (If you have free time to kill and want something absolutely cool to read, I highly recommend damninteresting.com. Great interesting stories, and even the kids like reading from it.
So back to my PSA moment of the week. You know, you can change lanes going Gig Harbor to Tacoma. Yes you can. However, on that trip back from Tacoma to Gig Harbor, don’t do it. Stay in the lane you started in the whole length of the span, and all is well. I’m sure any representative of WSDOT would agree with me on this one. I’m sure lots of people could agree with this. Simple enough, to Tacoma, change lanes, from Tacoma, *don’t* change lanes. Thanks for your help and understanding in this.
