| Key Facts |
| Bridge Name | Facility Carried / Feature Intersected | Location | Structure Type | Construction Date / Builder or Contractor |
| Ices Ferry Bridge | CR-857 Over Cheat Lake (Cheat River) | Rural: Monongalia County, West Virginia | Metal Pinned Parker Through Truss, Stationary | 1922 By: Unknown |
| Technical Facts |
| Rehabilitation Date | Structure Length | Main Span Length | Posted Vertical Clearance | Roadway Width | Main Spans | Approach Spans |
| Unknown/None | 828.9 Feet (252.4 Meters) | 258.9 Feet (78.9 Meters) | 11.1 Feet (3.38 Meters) | 18 Feet (5.5 Meters) | 2 | 2 Metal Riveted Parker Through Truss, Stationary |
This bridge is a four span structure. The two largest spans are located on the western end of the bridge, and those featured pinned connections. The other two spans are smaller, feature riveted connections, and are located on the east end of the bridge. The 1922 date seems late for a bridge with pin-connected spans and featuring members that are not overly massive, and a deck that is under 20 feet wide. Regardless of whether the bridge is 1922 or is older, the fact remains that it is a very large, multi-span example of a truss bridge featuring spans that include pinned connections, and those spans are of significant length. The bridge features relatively good historic integrity, especially for West Virginia, where many surviving truss bridges display numerous alterations. The bridge even retains original railings. As a result, this is a bridge that is historically significant. In addition, it is located in a scenic lake (which is a reservoir on Cheat River) that appears to be favored for recreational use.
Despite the beauty and history of the bridge, this historic structure is slated for demolition and replacement. Given the length and significance of the bridge, the demolition of this bridge will be a serious loss to West Virginia's transportation heritage. It is unclear why none of the wide variety of possible alternatives to demolition were not determined to be possible at this location. Most likely it is simply because someone is not interested in taking the time to work out a preservation plan. This nation is severely lacking in its efforts and resolve to preserve historic bridges of any type save the over-rated covered bridges. Even worse is the fate of large historic bridges. Granted, preservation of larger bridges may cost more, but one must take into account the greater historic significance of larger bridges, and also the fact that large bridges tend to attract more attention and offer a larger impact on the appearance of a landscape. As such, it seems worthwhile to go the extra mile to preserve these larger bridges. Apparently, West Virginia officials do not agree with this assessment.
The bridge is in a position where alignment involves a nearly 90 degree turn to get on the bridge. As such, there does not appear to be any sacrifice to alignment quality if a new bridge is built on a new alignment next to the historic bridge, allowing the historic bridge to remain standing for its historic value. The bridge could be restored for pedestrian use. The recreational value of the area suggests that the restored bridge would be a useful and attractive part of the area.
The two larger spans are most significant because they are larger, and also because they are pin-connected. At rock bottom, the least that should be done is to relocate and preserve these two spans elsewhere.
