The Wheeling Suspension Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the main channel of the Ohio River at Wheeling, West Virginia. It was the largest suspension bridge in the world from 1849 until 1851. Charles Ellet Jr. (who also worked on the Niagara Falls Suspension Bridge) built it, and it became the first bridge to span a major river west of the Appalachian mountains. It linked the eastern and western section of the National Road, and became especially strategically important during the American Civil War. Litigation in the United States Supreme Court concerning its obstruction of the new high steamboat smokestacks eventually cleared the way for other bridges, especially needed by expanding railroads. Because this bridge was designed during the horse-and-buggy era, 2-ton weight limits and vehicle separation requirements now apply.To visit Suspension Bridge on your holiday in Wheeling, and find out what else Wheeling has to offer, use our Wheeling.
The main span is 1010ft from tower to tower. The east tower rests on the Wheeling shore, while the west tower is on Wheeling Island. The east tower is 153.5ft above the low-water level of the river, or 82ft from the base of the masonry. The west tower is 132.75ft above low water, with 69ft of masonry.
The Wheeling Suspension Bridge was designated a National Historic Landmark on May 15, 1975. It is located in the Wheeling Island Historic District.
Suspension Bridge reviews
The Suspension Bridge over the Ohio River was an easy walk. It was under renovation so you could only walk on one side of the bridge but you can get some awesome pictures.
The Suspension Bridge over the Ohio River was an easy walk. It was under renovation so you could only walk on one side of the bridge but you can get some awesome pictures. more »
I wanted to see the bridge and had no idea that they still let you walk across the bridge. This was a highlight of my trip to Wheeling. They were doing bridge repair, so the bridge was closed to...
I wanted to see the bridge and had no idea that they still let you walk across the bridge. This was a highlight of my trip to Wheeling. They were doing bridge repair, so the bridge was closed to... more »
They've been working on this bridge for years. The bridge is closed it's a 18 million project they're milking it for all its worth lazy bums. Lazy. Three men are watching One Man work. The bridge will never be finished until they end up spending 18 million dollars. Useless. The bridge is closed. I've never seen a gravy job like this. Have these workers no shame? Someone apparently in the city is getting a huge kick back or something. Otherwise they wouldn't let this go on.
Beautiful bridge to see and walk across. I miss when they did the waterfall fireworks on here during the 4th of July show in Wheeling.
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