This bridge connects two islands, Whidbey Island and Fidalgo Island in WA, USA.
Deception Pass is a strait separating these two islands.
This pass is a dramatic seascape where the tidal flow and whirlpools beneath the twin bridges connecting Fidalgo Island to Whidbey Island move quickly. During ebb and flood tide current speed reaches about 8 knots (9.2 mph), flowing in opposite directions between ebb and flood. This swift current can lead to standing waves, large whirlpools, and roiling eddies. This swift current phenomenon can be viewed from the twin bridges' pedestrian walkways or from the trail leading below the larger south bridge from the parking lot on the Whidbey Island side. Boats can be seen waiting on either side of the pass for the current to stop or change direction before going through. Thrill-seeking kayakers go there during large tide changes to surf the standing waves and brave the class 2 and 3 rapid conditions.
Bridge Facts:
Height from water to roadway: about 180 feet (55 m), depending on the tide
Roadway: two 11-foot (3.4 m) lanes, one in each direction
Sidewalks: 3-foot-wide (0.91 m) sidewalk on each side
Width of bridge deck: 28 feet (8.5 m)
Total length: 1,487 feet (453 m) (more than a quarter mile)
Canoe Pass: one 350-foot (110 m) arch and three concrete T-beam approach spans
Deception Pass: two 175-foot (53 m) cantilever spans, one 200-foot (61 m) suspended span, and four concrete T-beam approach spans
Vehicle crossings: 20,000 per day on average
Maximum speed of current in Deception Pass at flood/ebb tide: 9 kts
Maximum speed of current in Canoe Pass at flood/ebb tide: 10 kts
**12 total suicides by jumping from the bridge in 2009 and 15 in 2010**
