Emergency Closes Eastbound Lanes on Tacoma Narrows Bridge

What Is Happening?

All eastbound lanes on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in Tacoma, Washington have been closed. This means if you were trying to go east across the bridge, you cannot right now.

State transportation officials say emergency helpers are dealing with a medical emergency on the bridge.

When and Who Responded?

• At about 8:30 p.m., Washington State Patrol troopers (police who work for the state) and Pierce County first responders (local emergency helpers like firefighters or medics) went to the bridge.
• They went because someone reported a person in crisis on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. "In crisis" means the person was in a very serious, upsetting situation and needed urgent help.

What Should Travelers Do?

• Law enforcement (the police) closed the eastbound lanes over the bridge.
• They are asking travelers to stay away from the area if they can.
• If you are already driving there, traffic must get off the bridge at 36th Street. This means you have to take that exit and cannot keep going east on the bridge.

What Did Officials Say on Social Media?

A state trooper shared this update:

WSP and multiple other agencies are on scene at EB SR-16 at the Narrows Bridge handling a critical incident involving a suicidal subject.

This is a serious matter and we ask for your patience during the road closure.

Negotiations are in progress at the time.

In simple words: police and other groups are on the eastbound State Route 16 part of the bridge helping a person who is suicidal (meaning the person wants to harm themselves). They are talking with the person to try to keep them safe. They ask everyone to please wait calmly while the road is closed.

Important: Travelers should avoid the Tacoma Narrows Bridge eastbound area and exit at 36th Street if they are already there. This is for your safety and to let emergency teams do their job.

Summary

To sum it up:

• Eastbound lanes of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge are closed.
• Emergency responders are helping a person in crisis since about 8:30 p.m.
• Drivers should avoid the area or exit at 36th Street.
• Officials ask for patience while they handle this serious situation.

FAQ

1. Why are the eastbound lanes closed?
Because emergency responders are helping a person in crisis on the bridge, and they need the space to do it safely.

2. If I am driving east, where do I need to go?
You must exit the bridge at 36th Street and cannot continue eastbound.

3. What does "person in crisis" mean?
It means someone is in a very serious, distressing situation and needs urgent help, in this case a suicidal person being helped by police and negotiators.

4. How long will the closure last?
Officials have not said. They are currently negotiating with the person, so drivers should expect delays and avoid the area.