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Key Facts |
Bridge Name | Type | Road | Location | City | Crossing |
Bridgeport Bridge |
Truss |
US-40 (Old Alignment) |
Belmont County, OH / Ohio County |
Bridgeport, OH / Wheeling, WV |
Ohio River Back Channel |
This bridge is located in Wheeling, which is noted for its preserved Wheeling Suspension Bridge, that, like wooden covered bridges, I was tempted to boycott and leave off of this website because it is getting all the attention, when some of the attention should be shifted to other forms of historic bridges. However, the Wheeling Suspension Bridge is a bridge whose historic significance is without compare, and as such it is an important bridge to note. But there is a classic historic bridge discrimination event unfolding in Wheeling. Quite simply, the problem is Georgia Street Bridge, and more importantly the Bridgeport Bridge. While maybe not a pre-Civil War bridge, these stunning metal truss bridges are indeed historically significant for their length as well as their design and age. In addition, they are among the most beautiful bridges I have ever seen. And they are both closed to traffic, with talk of demolition happening! The Bridgeport Bridge particularly, built in 1893 by the Wrought Iron Bridge Company of Canton, Ohio is an ornate mastery of engineering. Its complex geometric beauty formed by its Parker truss configuration, coupled with decorative finials, portals, and railings create a bridge that is a work of art. The Georgia Street Bridge is perhaps not as large and imposing as the Bridgeport Bridge, but as a pin connected Pennsylvania truss also with ornate portal decorations, it is also a remarkable work of art as well. If these two bridges could be restored, it would turn Wheeling into an unparalleled historic bridge destination, and would also allow the town to continue to be a beautiful place for residents. The Wheeling Suspension Bridge is the beginning of a preservation success story for Wheeling, but it should not be the end of the story! The demolition of either or both of Wheeling's two truss bridges would mark a huge loss for the historic bridge community, and would represent a huge loss for Wheeling.
This bridge is one of the most beautiful and ornate metal truss bridges I have ever seen. Its beauty is without compare. That is why I am so annoyed, and amazed, that anyone would even consider obliterating this priceless historic work of art. Also annoying is the fact that they fenced off the bridge and put up No Trespassing signs on it. They should have instead simply erected signs that say that anyone getting injured on this bridge will not be able to hold anyone else liable. Then, if I wanted to risk my life for a historic bridge, then I would be able to do so. Actually, I would feel safer on this old truss bridge that has stood the test of time than I would on any modern slab bridge! I don't like being denied access to walk on a historic truss bridge, since I need to be on the bridge to properly photograph and document the bridge. The weight of a pedestrian on a bridge like this is negligible, and the deck is still present on the bridge. Of course if they would just restore the bridge for pedestrian traffic, than everyone could be happy. Preserve a metal truss bridge? What a novel idea!
It is hard enough to travel and photograph historic bridges with DOTs and other road agencies out with their bulldozers looking for historic bridges to demolish before I have a chance to get there, but I often am also hindered by the weather, which makes it even more annoying. I hope I can plan a return trip on a drier day to Wheeling before it it too late... If I do, and I get better photos than I have here, I can expand my discussion of this bridge.
