$17.9M Wheeling Suspension Bridge Rehab Continues
Eric Ayres Trending
Motorists passing by the historic Wheeling Suspension Bridge likely got to see what the span will look like nightly with the recent testing of its new LED lights.
Advantage Steel, the general contractor, said on its social media that the lighting company, Specialty Groups Inc., had installed the new lights and were testing them.
"Team Advantage Steel and Specialty Groups, Inc. were excited to power up the first test run of the newly installed LED lights on the Wheeling Suspension Bridge this week on-site," the company said.
State highways officials have not yet revealed whether the bridge will be reopened to vehicle traffic or remain a pedestrian bridge between the downtown and Wheeling Island. People have been allowed to walk across the span during the project.
Jake Flatley, transportation public information specialist for the West Virginia Department of Transportation, said Wednesday that there is still much work to be completed on the bridge.
"It includes rebuilding of the Northeast Anchorage Housing out of cut stone, replacing several deteriorated diagonals and two lower cord segments of the timber truss, and completing the remaining decorative lighting," he said, noting WVDOT will keep the public updated on any announcements about the span.
"These lights will emphasize the beauty of this historic landmark and allow people to safely travel between the city and the island of Wheeling," Advantage Steel noted on its social media.
Advantage Steel also recently noted that rehabilitation of the bridge's cables and steel has been completed. Painting work is underway as well.
"The Wheeling Suspension Bridge Project is approaching its grand finale. ... Soon, the Wheeling Suspension Bridge will be a symbol of elegance and strength, bridging the past with the future," the company noted.
The work is part of a $17.9 million project funded by the state of West Virginia. The project was originally anticipated to be finished this past July, but additional work and supply chain issues have caused delays.
Flatley declined to say if the bridge was going to be opened to vehicle traffic again. He also declined to say when the project might be completed.