The bridge has also survived several major earthquakes since its completion . The first earthquake occurred during construction on April 13 , 1949 , and knocked the north cable 's steel saddle from the east tower . Another strong earthquake struck the region on April 29 , 1965 . In 1999 a series of moderate earthquakes struck the region , and the most recent earthquake is the 2001 Nisqually earthquake . Even though the bridge escaped damage in all of those earthquakes , the 1949 earthquake still has a lasting legacy hold on the span . As a result of the north cable saddle 's plunge from the east tower , and resulting three-day stay in 135 feet of salt water , it now corrodes more than twice as fast as its counterparts
2001 Nisqually earthquake
2001 Nisqually earthquake
Tacoma Narrows Bridge (1950)