West Virginia Department of Transportation’s Wellsburg Bridge

For over a century, residents discussed building a bridge to span the Ohio River and reconnect their communities, which were once linked by a ferry before its operations ceased, forcing a 30-minute detour to the nearest crossing despite the towns’ close proximity. The $168 million West Virginia Department of Transportation project ensured safer access to the main span during construction while keeping the Ohio River’s central channel open for barge traffic. The new Wellsburg Bridge now links the two communities, eliminating the lengthy commute.