New river gorge bridge
The New River Gorge Bridge is a steel arch bridge located in Fayetteville, West Virginia, United States. It spans the New River Gorge, which is a deep and narrow gorge carved by the New River. The bridge is a popular tourist destination and a significant engineering feat.
Here are some interesting facts about the New River Gorge Bridge:
- Height: The bridge stands at an impressive 876 feet (267 meters) above the New River, making it one of the highest steel arch bridges in the United States.
- Length: The bridge is 3,030 feet (924 meters) long, including the approaches.
- Construction: The bridge was built between 1960 and 1977, with a total construction cost of $37 million.
- Design: The bridge's design is a steel arch with a curved shape, which allows it to withstand strong winds and earthquakes.
- Traffic: The bridge carries US Route 19 (US-19) and US Route 60 (US-60) across the New River Gorge, with an average daily traffic volume of around 13,000 vehicles.
- Safety: The bridge is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, including high winds, heavy snow, and earthquakes. It has a safety rating of 100%, which is the highest rating possible.
- Tourism: The bridge is a popular tourist destination, with visitors coming from all over the world to walk across the bridge, take in the stunning views, and participate in adventure activities such as rock climbing and zip lining.
- Stunt jumping: The bridge has been the site of several high-profile stunt jumps, including a jump by Evel Knievel in 1977.
- Maintenance: The bridge is regularly inspected and maintained by the West Virginia Department of Transportation to ensure its safety and integrity.
- Historic designation: The New River Gorge Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2013, recognizing its significance as a engineering marvel and a cultural icon.
Overall, the New River Gorge Bridge is an impressive feat of engineering and a popular tourist destination in West Virginia.