The Jennings Randolph Bridge, built in 1977, is the largest Pratt truss bridge in North America. It spans ~3,400 feet (1,000 m) over the Ohio River between Chester, West Virginia and East Liverpool, Ohio, with main span of 745 feet (227 m). The bridge is located on U.S. Route 30 and is named after U.S. Senator Jennings Randolph (D-WV). The bridge replaced the 1897 Chester Bridge, and is West Virginia's northernmost crossing from its northern panhandle.[1]
Jennings Randolph Bridge | |
|---|---|
 Western side and northern portal | |
| Coordinates | 40°37′09″N 80°33′42″W / 40.6193°N 80.5617°W |
| Carries | 4 lanes of  US 30 |
| Crosses | Ohio River |
| Locale | East Liverpool, Ohio and Chester, West Virginia |
| Named for | Jennings Randolph |
| Owner | West Virginia Department of Transportation |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Continuous Truss Bridge |
| Longest span | 745 feet (227 m) |
| History | |
| Construction end | 1977 |
| Replaces | Chester Bridge |
| Location | |
 | |
On December 11, 2023, the West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) closed the bridge after a federally mandated inspection discovered cracking in two welds on the steel bridge structure. In the end, 20 defects were found the T-1 steel that used to build the bridge. The bridge was reopened on January 8, 2024.[2]
References
edit- ^ "Jennings-Randolph Bridge (1977)". structurae.de. Retrieved January 17, 2009.
- ^ Lynch, John (8 January 2024). "Bridge that connects Ohio and West Virginia to open on Monday after 20 defects were found". WTRF. Retrieved 13 January 2024.
40°37′9.5″N 80°33′42.0″W / 40.619306°N 80.561667°W
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