Bridge span heads down the river
ON THE MOVE — The main span of the new Ohio River bridge has started its trip downriver. -- Scott McCloskey
ON THE MOVE — The main span of the new Ohio River bridge has started its trip downriver. -- Scott McCloskey
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WELLSBURG --Spectators gathered early today at the Wellsburg Wharf and the lot of the Wellsburg water plant to watch as four tandem barges carried the main span of the new Ohio River bridge downriver to its future location.
After traveling about 1 mile south, five sets of hydraulic jacks, each capable of lifting 5,000 tons, will be used to lift the 4,100-ton structure, onto the two innermost piers near state Route 7 in Brilliant.
Adam Matthews, senior operations manager for the Flatiron Corp, contractor for the $131 million project, said weather conditions prompted a change in plans, with the main span slated to be lifted tonight, possibly between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
When completed, the bridge will carry traffic between Brilliant and West Virginia Route 2 in Wellsburg.