Pix of the Day: Single Arch Steel Bridge King
CREDITS: © National Park Service/NPS.org
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In the world of single arch steel bridges this one is the king: the New River Gorge Bridge near Fayetteville, West Virginia, is the longest single span steel arch bridge in the world. The arch is 1,700 feet, and the total deck length of the bridge is 3,030 feet. It is also the second highest bridge in the United States at 876 feet. Our local Hurricane Arch Bridge pales in comparison. The PBS web site has a graphic to compare the Fayettville bridge with other world famous spans.

Rich Koors has a web site dedicated to the bridge, which includes construction details with pictures and an animation, design discussion, and maintenance details. This place is a mecca for bungee jumpers and whitewater rafters, as well as more sedate hikers, so Rich also includes a section on recreation. The NPS page is a good starting point for discovering all the other attractions of the area, including a map and guides.

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