New River Gorge Bridge
West Virginia
The New River Gorge Bridge is a remarkable steel arch bridge spanning 3,030 feet over the New River Gorge near Fayetteville, West Virginia. Completed in 1977, it was the world's longest single-span arch bridge for 26 years and remains the longest outside China. Its roadway sits 876 feet above the river, making it one of the highest vehicular bridges globally and the third highest in the United States. The bridge plays a vital role as part of U.S. Route 19 and the Appalachian Development Highway System's Corridor L, significantly reducing travel time across the gorge from 45 minutes to under a minute. Designed by the Michael Baker Company and constructed by U.S. Steel's American Bridge Division, the bridge features COR-TEN steel, which forms a rust-like patina that eliminates the need for painting. It has become an iconic symbol of West Virginia, featured on the state's commemorative quarter and listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its engineering and transportation importance. The bridge attracts tourists and daredevils alike, especially during the annual Bridge Day event when people can climb or jump from it with proper equipment. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views from nearby overlooks and participate in guided Bridge Walk tours beneath the structure's maintenance catwalks.
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Tipp: The best time to visit is during the annual Bridge Day festival when the bridge is open for climbing and BASE jumping with safety equipment. For a unique perspective, book a Bridge Walk tour to explore the maintenance catwalk underneath the bridge. Visitors should plan ahead and consider purchasing tickets for tours in advance due to limited availability. Viewing points such as the Canyon Rim Visitor Center and the Long Point trail offer excellent photographic opportunities. Note that the bridge is a highway and not open for pedestrian crossing except on Bridge Day or via guided tours. Discounts may be available for seniors, military, or groups on tours.
Interessante Fakten
- •The New River Gorge Bridge was the world's longest single-span arch bridge for 26 years.
- •It is the third highest vehicular bridge in the United States, with a deck 876 feet above the New River.
- •The bridge is made from COR-TEN steel, which weathers to form a protective rust-like appearance, eliminating the need for painting.
- •The bridge significantly reduced travel time across the gorge from 45 minutes to 45 seconds.
- •It is featured on the West Virginia state quarter issued by the U.S. Mint in 2005.
- •During the annual Bridge Day event, the bridge is open to climbers and BASE jumpers with proper safety gear.
- •The bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2013 despite being less than 50 years old, highlighting its engineering and transportation importance.
Geschichte
The New River Gorge Bridge was constructed between 1974 and 1977 to improve transportation across the challenging terrain of Fayette County, West Virginia, which had previously relied on a single narrow bridge and winding mountain roads.
The project was part of Corridor L, funded by the state and the Appalachian Regional Commission to boost the struggling local economy by promoting tourism.
Designed by the Michael Baker Company and built by U.S.
Steel's American Bridge Division, it was a major engineering feat using COR-TEN steel.
The bridge dramatically cut travel time over the gorge from 45 minutes to under a minute.
Despite being less than 50 years old, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2013 for its exceptional impact on local transportation and engineering significance.
Ortsführer
Arch Structure1977
The main steel arch spans 1,700 feet, making it one of the longest single-span arches worldwide. It was designed to meet precisely in the middle of the gorge, 876 feet above the river, showcasing advanced engineering techniques of the 1970s.
Roadway Deck1977
The bridge's roadway deck carries U.S. Route 19 and sits 876 feet above the New River, offering breathtaking views. It is not open to pedestrians except during special events or guided tours beneath the bridge.
Bridge Walk Maintenance Catwalk
A guided tour experience allowing visitors to walk beneath the bridge on a maintenance catwalk, providing unique views of the structure and the gorge below.
Viewing Points
The Canyon Rim Visitor Center and Long Point trail offer excellent vantage points for photographing and admiring the bridge and surrounding gorge scenery.
Kontakt
Telefon: (304) 465-0508