Deception Pass Bridge - Washington
Posted by: Groundspeak Regular Member Hikenutty
N 48° 24.399 W 122° 38.752
10U E 526208 N 5361559
Deception Pass and its CCC built steel cantilever arch bridge are one of the most picturesque areas in the state of Washington.
Waymark Code: WM26FC
Location: Washington, United States
Date Posted: 09/12/2007
Published By:Groundspeak Regular Member lilluckyclover
Views: 130
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The Deception Pass bridge was a project built by the young members of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Completion of the bridge allowed the United States Navy to build Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and stimulated the economy of Oak Harbor, Washington which had been without mainland road access prior to the bridge's construction.

The bridge, one of the scenic wonders of the Pacific Northwest, is actually two spans, one over Canoe Pass to the north, and another over Deception Pass to the south meeting in the middle over Pass Island. Construction of the cantilevered steel truss bridge began in 1934, and the completed bridge was dedicated in July, 1935. 460 tons of steel for the 511-foot Canoe Pass arch and 1130 tons for the 976-foot Deception Pass span was used. The cost of construction was $482,000.

The following facts are from the bridge's Wikipedia page:

  • Height from water to roadway: about 180 feet, depending on the tide
  • Roadway: two 11 foot lanes, one in each direction
  • Sidewalks: 3 foot sidewalk on each side
  • Width of bridge deck: 28 feet
  • Total length: 1487 feet (more than a quarter mile)
  • Canoe Pass: one 350-ft arch and three concrete T-beam approach spans
  • Deception Pass: two 175-ft cantilever spans, one 200-ft suspended span, and four concrete T-beam approach spans
  • Vehicle crossings: 20,000 per day, average Maximum speed of current at flood/ebb tide: 7 knots
  • There are parking areas on either end of the bridge. The south end has a parking lot and restrooms.

    • Length of bridge: 1487 ft

    Height of bridge: About 180 ft.

    What type of traffic does this bridge support?: Motor vehicles and pedestrians (has a ped walkway)

    What kind of gap does this bridge cross?:
    Deception pass between Whidbey Island and the mainland. Dangerous area with wicked currents.

    Date constructed: 1935

    Is the bridge still in service for its original purpose?: Yes

    Name of road or trail the bridge services: SR20

    Location:
    Deception Pass State Park, north end of Whidbey Island
    Visit Instructions:
    Please submit a photo(s) taken by you of your visit to the location (non-copyrighted photos only). GPS photos are also accepted with the location in the background, and old vacation photos are accepted. If you are not able to provide a photo, then please describe your visit or give a story about the visit. If the bridge location prevents you from taking a safe photograph, then please do not stop to take the photo. Safety is more important.
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