Cracks have been found on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in Washington state 84 years after the structure collapsed into the Puget Sound.
The massive suspension bridge, which connects the city of Tacoma with the Kitsap Peninsula, was found to have cracks 'beneath the driving surface,' the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) said on Wednesday.
The bridge, which is used by around 91,000 cars passing over it every day, is undergoing emergency repairs that will close two of its four driving lanes, the agency said.
Officials shared images of the damage while urging motorists to carpool, work from home, or cancel their travel plans altogether while repairs are made.
The double lane closure and repairs 'could go through the weekend,' the agency added.
The troubling development comes nearly eight decades after the bridge, nicknamed 'Galloping Gertie', plummeted into the water on the morning of November 7, 1940.
Terrifying footage showed the crossing rocking back and forth after 40mph winds took hold and caused the suspension bridge to violently sway until it tore apart completely.
Incredibly, no humans were killed, but a three-legged black cocker spaniel named Tubby lost his life that day.
Terrifying cracks have been found on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in Washington state 84 years after the structure collapsed. Two lanes are closed to motorists while repairs are made, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) said
Terrifying footage showed the crossing rocking back and forth after 40mph winds took hold and caused the suspension bridge to violently sway until it tore apart completely in 1940
The pup was in the backseat of his owner, Leonard Coatsworth's car, when the vehicle suddenly stopped, and Coatsworth abandoned the car, according to WSDOT's bridge history webpage.
Coastworth attempted to rescue his beloved dog, but because the bridge became so unstable, he couldn't.
His colleague, photographer Howard Clifford, then tried to save Tubby, but also failed.
Another man, Professor Farquharson, then tried to rescue the dog. He managed to reach the car and tried to guide Tubby out of it, but the pup was terrified and didn't budge.
The dog then snapped at Farquharson, biting his knuckle, before the bridge collapsed and took Tubby with it.
It is unclear why Tubby had lost on his leg, but Coatsworth's wife, Ethel, later revealed that their dog was also paralyzed, the website stated.
Coatsworth later filed a claim to be reimbursed for the loss of his dog and car.
He was awarded $450 for the loss of his car and $364.40 for the loss of his car's 'contents,' which included Tubby.
A three-legged black cocker spaniel named Tubby, who got trapped in the back of his owner's car, lost his life that day. Several humans were injured
The portion of the bridge that fell into the water below now serves as an artificial reef
The bridge officially re-opened in 1950 after experiencing delays from financial and engineering issues, as well as the US's involvement in WWII
Several people were left injured after fleeing the tumbling bridge that day.
The portion of the bridge that fell into the water below now serves as an artificial reef.
The bridge officially reopened in 1950 after experiencing delays from financial and engineering issues, as well as the US's involvement in WWII.
It was expanded in 2007 and joined by a new parallel suspension bridge set to handle traffic congestion to the south of the original structure.
The new bridge was celebrated on July 15, 2007, with a 5k walk-run across the lanes. Nearly 60,000 people turned out for the event.
This is not the first time the bridge has had to face urgent repairs, as a cracked beam resulted in a similar two-lane shutdown in 2024.
According to WSDOT, the fracture was the result of 'years of underfunding' for statewide highway maintenance that 'have put our transportation system in jeopardy,' the agency said at the time.
'Unfortunately, given the number and age of our bridges, there is just not enough dedicated funding to keep them from developing age-related problems,' the agency added.
It was expanded in 2007, and also joined by a new parallel suspension bridge set to handle traffic congestion to the south of the original structure
This is not the first time the bridge has had to face urgent repairs, as a cracked beam (pictured) resulted in a similar two-lane shutdown in 2024
After hearing of the sudden bridge closure, locals took to social media to share their reactions.
'That’s called lack of maintenance which the state of Washington and every other government agency is good at,' a Facebook user wrote.
Another person shared a similar comment, stating: 'Maybe you wouldn’t need “emergency repairs” if you would maintain that bridge!'
Meanwhile, other commended officials for tackling the pressing issue.
'Get her fixed up. Thanks for all the bridge crew does !! Tough job and spooky,' one posted.
Someone else chimed in: 'Eeek! Glad you caught it and it's repairable.'