In Tacoma, there are two vehicular moveable bridges over navigable water, the Hylebos and Murray Morgan Bridge. Federal law requires bridges open for marine traffic, with few exceptions. Tacoma is part of the US Coast Guard 13th District. More information is available at www.uscg.mil/d13/.
Tacoma Movable Bridges
Here is a list of vehicular bridges in Tacoma that open for marine traffic.
Moveable Bridges |
Year Built |
Vessel Clearance |
Hylesbos Bridge |
Built; 1939
Rehabilitated; 2012
|
MHHW: Approx. 18 feet
(Depending on tide level)
|
Murray Morgan Bridge |
Built; 1911
Rehabilitated; 2013
|
Westside:
MLLW: 79 feet
MHHW: 59 feet
Eastside:
MLLW: 72 feet
MHHW: 52 feet
(Depending on tide level)
|
All clearances are approximate and vessel operator shall request an opening if there is any question of ability to safely pass a vessel under these structures.
How to Request a Bridge Opening
Hylebos Bridge
Hylebos Bridge opens on request 24 hours a day. Contact the bridge tender on duty, upon approach. Bridge contact can be made by phone at (253) 627-4655, marine radio VHF, Channel 13, or signaling the bridge with one long and one short blast of your horn. It takes approximately two minutes to open the bridge. Tenders will begin all openings approximately at 1,000 yards upon approach.
Murray Morgan Bridge
Murray Morgan Bridge opens by appointment only. Vessels shall contact the bridge tender a minimum of two hours before any requested opening via phone (253) 627-4655 or by marine radio VHF, Channel 13. However, to obtain a bridge opening between 10 PM and 8 AM, notification must be made to the City of Tacoma bridge tender by 8 PM. In emergencies, openings shall be made as soon as possible upon notification to the City of Tacoma bridge tender.