Washington Works

“At the end of the day, I like seeing the tangible results of my work.” Scott Ireland said about his work on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. “One of the most gratifying aspects of construction is to see a completed project—especially one that has a vital purpose—years after the work’s been done.” At 32 years old, Scott is already on his second career as a civil engineer with the Tacoma Narrows Bridge Project. After high school, he earned his living as a carpenter and put himself through engineering school. Now, as a field engineer assigned to an $849 million project, Ireland oversees inspectors and construction activities related to the bridge’s caissons and anchorages.

Scott is one of 40 staff at the WSDOT Narrows Bridge Office who plays a role in the construction of the third suspension bridge to span the Narrows. When it’s complete in early 2007, the new bridge will have a total span of 5,400 feet and be among the 15 largest suspension bridges in the world. “Yes, it’s about making history, but more importantly, it’s about making a contribution to the people who drive State Route 16 day in and day out,” said Scott.

To Scott there is no better job, and nothing else he’d rather be doing. He supervises field inspectors, reviews contract plans and field changes (to ensure they meet engineering standards) and visits the site three to four times a week to witness the activity for himself.

Dedicated to the bridge and to his family, he’s been married to Julie Ireland for 10 years and has two sons, 6 and 15. Often, he arrives home after everyone has eaten dinner, but still in time to read his youngest son a book before bed. He may not be able to pick up his eldest from football practice, but he’s there for the Monday night games, and in the winter, Friday evening wrestling matches.

And at the end of that ride, Scott will know that he played a part in building an engineering marvel—an elegant bridge draped across one of the country’s most dramatic landscapes. And for decades to come, people will drive along, gaze upon and photograph the bridge that spans the Narrows.

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