The Bridge

The Bridge. . , When the New River Gorge Bridge was completed on October 22, 1977, a travel challenge was solved. The bridge reduced a 45-minute drive down narrow mountain roads and across one of North America's oldest rivers to less than a minute drive. When it comes to road construction, mountains do pose a challenge. In this case the challenge was transformed into a work of structural art. , In June 1974, the first steel was positioned over the gorge by trolleys running on three-inch diameter cables. The cables were strung 3,500 feet between two matching towers. , Michael Baker Company designed the bridge and the American Bridge division of U.S. Steel constructed it using Corten steel with a rust-like appearance that never needs painting. , To celebrate the anniversary of the completion of the bridge, Bridge Day is held annually on the third Saturday of October. On that day the bridge is open to pedestrians and a wide variety of activities are offered, drawing tens of thousands to West Virginia's largest festival. , Two Statues of Liberty and one Washington Monument can fit under the arch with 20 feet to spare. , . The roadway is 876 feet (267 m) above the New River . The bridge is 3,030 feet (924 m) long . The arch is 1,700 feet (518 m) long