The New River Gorge Bridge

The construction of the New River Gorge Bridge involved several key sttakeholders, each playing an essential role. Designed by the Micheal Baker Company, under construction of Chief Engineer Clarence V. Knudsen, and enacted by U.S. Steel's American Bridge Division.

The American Bridge Company was the primary contractor responsible for the bridges construction. Aiming to specifically help travelers and the people of West Virginia, the Federal Highway Administration provided funding and oversight, while the West Virginia Department of Highways managed the project to ensure compliance with state transportation needs.

The bridge is located in a once remote area of West Virginia just north of Fayetteville in Fayette County, West Virginia. Towering above the beautiful West Virginia forests, the New River Gorge Bridge spans 900 feet over the New River. The bridge is situated in the northern section of the 53-mile long New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. (New River Gorge Bridge (U.S. National Park Service)

The New River Gorge Bridge was originally designed and created to improve transportation and boost the local economy. It would aim to reduce overall travel time by almost an hour. The bridge also facilitated interstate commerce and tourism, bringing economic benefits to the region. The bridge had opened up the area to tourists, bringing local businesses, restaurants, lodging, and outdoor recreation industries. This also improved the movement of goods and services, boosting regional commerce and overall stimulate economic development in Appalachia.