Suspension Bridges Crossing Ohio River

This is a list of all 13 bridges from the suspension bridge inventory crossing Ohio River. Please note that different rivers with the same name will be grouped together. For example, selecting 'Bear Creek' shows bridges across several different Bear Creeks. Also, similarly named rivers are grouped separately. For example, 'River Dee' (UK) bridges are grouped separately from 'Dee River' (Australia) bridges. Wherever you see a Bridgemeister ID number click it to isolate the bridge on its own page.

Related Lists:

1849: Wheeling

Wheeling, West Virginia, USA - Ohio River
Bridgemeister ID:32 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1849
Name:Wheeling
Also Known As:Wheeling and Belmont
Location:Wheeling, West Virginia, USA
Crossing:Ohio River
Coordinates:40.07167 N 80.72667 W
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:Charles Ellet
References:AAJ, BBR, BC3, BOB, BPL, CEJ, COB, GBD, HBE, LAB, LACE, ONF, PTS2, RWS, WCC, WHSB
Use:Vehicular (two-lane, light vehicles only)
Status:Restricted to foot traffic, since September 2019 (last checked: 2020)
Main Cables:Wire (iron)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 307.8 meters (1,010 feet)

Notes:

  • Was still part of Virginia at time of completion.
  • 1854: Rebuilt after it was wrecked by a windstorm. Contrary to popular myth, the rebuilding was undertaken by Ellet and his assistant William K. McComas, not by John A. Roebling.
  • 1860: Overhauled. Popular myth often attributes this work to the Roeblings. WHSB attributes this work to William K. McComas. After this overhaul, the bridge still does not have the distinctive diagonal cable stays that give it the appearance of a Roebling bridge.
  • 1872: Overhauled according to a design by Washington Roebling. John A. Roebling had died in 1869 and was not involved with this work. WHSB notes, "The design essentially Roeblingized the bridge with the diagonal cable stays that are such a prominent feature of the bridge."
  • 2019, September: Closed to vehicular traffic indefinitely due to safety concerns after repeated overweight vehicle violations.
  • 2020, November: Bids being evaluated for renovation project. Bridge remains closed to vehicular traffic.
  • 2021, April: Single bid received was rejected. Bids expected to be resolicited in June. The bridge remains closed to all vehicular traffic.
  • 2022, February: $17.9 million renovation project expected to start soon.
  • Became longest suspension bridge by eclipsing 1834 Zaehringen (Grand Pont Suspendu) - Fribourg, Switzerland.
  • Eclipsed by new longest suspension bridge 1867 John A. Roebling (Cincinnati, Cincinnati and Covington) - Cincinnati, Ohio and Covington, Kentucky, USA.

External Links:

Photo by David Denenberg Photo by Wayne Grodkiewicz Photo by Stuart Brorson Photo by Scott Bumgardner Photo by Patrick S. O'Donnell Photo by David Denenberg Collection of Doug Lehman Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1867: John A. Roebling

Cincinnati, Ohio and Covington, Kentucky, USA - Ohio River
Bridgemeister ID:65 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1867
Name:John A. Roebling
Also Known As:Cincinnati, Cincinnati and Covington
Location:Cincinnati, Ohio and Covington, Kentucky, USA
Crossing:Ohio River
Coordinates:39.09167 N 84.50833 W
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:John A. Roebling
References:BAAW, BC3, BOB, BPL, COB, EOV, HBE, LAB, LACE, ONF, PTS2, SJR, TOB
Use:Vehicular (two-lane), with walkway
Status:Closed, February, 2021 (last checked: 2021)
Main Cables:Wire (iron)
Suspended Spans:3
Main Span:1 x 322.2 meters (1,057 feet)
Side Spans:2

Notes:

External Links:

Photo by David Denenberg Photo by Wayne Grodkiewicz Photo by Patrick S. O'Donnell Photo by David Denenberg Photo by David Denenberg Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1897: Lincoln Highway

East Liverpool, Ohio and Chester, West Virginia, USA - Ohio River
Bridgemeister ID:105 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1897
Name:Lincoln Highway
Also Known As:Chester
Location:East Liverpool, Ohio and Chester, West Virginia, USA
Crossing:Ohio River
Principals:Hermann Laub, E.S. Fickes
References:AAJ, BPL, HBE, PTS2
Use:Vehicular, with walkway
Status:Removed, 1970
Main Cables:Wire (steel)
Suspended Spans:3
Main Span:1 x 214.9 meters (705 feet)
Side Spans:1 x 109.7 meters (360 feet),
1 x 128 meters (420 feet)
Deck width:27 feet

Notes:

  • Rebuilt 1939 by David Steinman. Closed and demolished, 1970.

External Links:

Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle.

1897: Rochester

Rochester and Monaca, Pennsylvania, USA - Ohio River
Bridgemeister ID:104 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1897
Name:Rochester
Location:Rochester and Monaca, Pennsylvania, USA
Crossing:Ohio River
Principals:Edwin Kirtland Morse
References:AAJ, BPL, HBE, PTS2
Use:Vehicular, with walkway
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Wire (steel)
Suspended Spans:3
Main Span:1 x 243.8 meters (800 feet)
Side Spans:1 x 121.9 meters (400 feet),
1 x 126.8 meters (416 feet)
Deck width:28 feet

External Links:

Postcard, collection of David Denenberg

1905: Market Street

Steubenville, Ohio and East Steubenville, West Virginia, USA - Ohio River
Bridgemeister ID:114 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1905
Name:Market Street
Location:Steubenville, Ohio and East Steubenville, West Virginia, USA
Crossing:Ohio River
Coordinates:40.35833 N 80.61167 W
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:Hermann Laub
References:AAJ, BPL, PTS2
Use:Vehicular (two-lane)
Status:Closed, December 2023
Main Cables:Wire (steel)
Suspended Spans:3
Main Span:1 x 207.3 meters (680 feet)
Side Spans:2 x 79.2 meters (260 feet)

Notes:

External Links:

Photo by Donny Oliver Photo by Patrick S. O'Donnell Photo by Wayne Grodkiewicz

1905: Newell

East Liverpool, Ohio and Newell, West Virginia, USA - Ohio River
Bridgemeister ID:117 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1905
Name:Newell
Location:East Liverpool, Ohio and Newell, West Virginia, USA
Crossing:Ohio River
Coordinates:40.62167 N 80.595 W
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:Edwin Kirtland Morse, Dravo Company
References:AAJ, BPL, PTS2
Use:Vehicular (two-lane), with walkway
Status:In use (last checked: 2022)
Main Cables:Wire (steel)
Suspended Spans:3
Main Span:1 x 228.6 meters (750 feet)
Side Spans:2

Annotated Citations:

  • Huba, Stephen. "There’s a new owner for the Newell Bridge." The Weirton Daily Times, 6 May 2022, www.weirtondailytimes.com/news/local-news/2022/05/theres-a-new-owner-for-the-newell-bridge/.

    "Frank Six of Six Enterprises in Newell, assumed ownership Wednesday of one of the oldest suspension bridges on the Ohio River for an undisclosed sum from HLC Holdings Inc., parent company of the Fiesta Tableware Co., formerly known as the Homer Laughlin China Co."

  • Bobby-Gilbert, Jo-Ann., "Fiesta Tableware Parent Sells Iconic Newell Bridge." The Business Journal, 5 May 2022, businessjournaldaily.com/fiesta-tableware-parent-sells-iconic-newell-bridge/.

    "After 116 years of ownership by HLC Holdings Inc., parent company of The Fiesta Tableware Co., the Newell Bridge and Railway Co. changed hands at midnight Wednesday. Officials of Fiesta Tableware, formerly known as Homer Laughlin China Co., announced that the bridge has been purchased by Frank Six, owner of Six Enterprises in Newell."

External Links:

Photo by David Denenberg Photo by Donny Oliver Photo by Patrick S. O'Donnell

1916: Belpre-Parkersburg

Parkersburg, West Virginia and Belpre, Ohio, USA - Ohio River
Bridgemeister ID:134 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1916
Name:Belpre-Parkersburg
Location:Parkersburg, West Virginia and Belpre, Ohio, USA
Crossing:Ohio River
Principals:Hermann Laub
References:AAJ, BPL, PTS2, SJR
Use:Vehicular, with walkway
Status:Demolished, March 16, 1980
Main Cables:Wire (steel)
Suspended Spans:3
Main Span:1 x 236.2 meters (775 feet)
Side Spans:1 x 114.3 meters (375 feet),
1 x 83.8 meters (275 feet)
Deck width:22 feet

External Links:

Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1927: General U.S. Grant

Portsmouth, Ohio and Fullerton, Kentucky, USA - Ohio River
Bridgemeister ID:151 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1927
Name:General U.S. Grant
Location:Portsmouth, Ohio and Fullerton, Kentucky, USA
Crossing:Ohio River
Coordinates:38.725 N 82.99833 W
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:Robinson and Steinman, J.E. Greiner, Dravo Co.
References:AAJ, PTS2, SSS
Use:Vehicular (two-lane, heavy vehicles)
Status:Demolished, July 2001
Main Cables:Wire (steel)
Suspended Spans:3
Main Span:1 x 213.4 meters (700 feet)
Side Spans:2 x 106.7 meters (350 feet)
Deck width:28.5 feet

Notes:

  • AAJ: "Recabled" in 1939.

External Links:

Photo by David Denenberg Photo by Wayne Grodkiewicz Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1928: Fort Steuben

Steubenville, Ohio and Weirton, West Virginia, USA - Ohio River
Bridgemeister ID:154 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1928
Name:Fort Steuben
Location:Steubenville, Ohio and Weirton, West Virginia, USA
Crossing:Ohio River
Coordinates:40.37833 N 80.615 W
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:Dravo Co.
References:AAJ, PTS2
Use:Vehicular (two-lane, heavy vehicles), with walkway
Status:Demolished, February 2012 (last checked: 2012)
Main Cables:Wire (steel)
Suspended Spans:3
Main Span:1 x 209.9 meters (688.75 feet)
Side Spans:2 x 86.3 meters (283 feet)
Deck width:20.25 feet

Notes:

External Links:

Photo by Wayne Grodkiewicz Photo by Donny Oliver Photo by Patrick S. O'Donnell Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1928: Point Pleasant

Point Pleasant, West Virginia and Kanauga, Gallipolis vicinity, Ohio, USA - Ohio River
Bridgemeister ID:156 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1928
Name:Point Pleasant
Also Known As:Silver
Location:Point Pleasant, West Virginia and Kanauga, Gallipolis vicinity, Ohio, USA
Crossing:Ohio River
Coordinates:38.845 N 82.141111 W
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:J.E. Greiner Co.
References:AAJ, BDO, ENR19290620a, ENR19290620b, GBD, LAB, PTS2, SSS
Use:Vehicular, with walkway
Status:Collapsed, 1967
Main Cables:Eyebar (steel)
Suspended Spans:3
Main Span:1 x 213.4 meters (700 feet)
Side Spans:2 x 115.8 meters (380 feet)
Deck width:27 feet

Notes:

External Links:

Photograph, collection of David Denenberg Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1928: Saint Marys

Saint Marys, West Virginia and Newport, Ohio, USA - Ohio River
Bridgemeister ID:159 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1928
Name:Saint Marys
Also Known As:Hi Carpenter, Short Route
Location:Saint Marys, West Virginia and Newport, Ohio, USA
Crossing:Ohio River
Principals:J.E. Greiner Co.
References:BPL, GBD, PTS2
Use:Vehicular
Status:Demolished, 1971
Main Cables:Eyebar (steel)
Suspended Spans:3
Main Span:1 x 213.4 meters (700 feet)
Side Spans:2

Notes:

Photo by Ralph Trepal

1931: Simon Kenton Memorial

Maysville, Kentucky and Aberdeen, Ohio, USA - Ohio River
Bridgemeister ID:172 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1931
Name:Simon Kenton Memorial
Also Known As:Maysville
Location:Maysville, Kentucky and Aberdeen, Ohio, USA
Crossing:Ohio River
Coordinates:38.649890 N 83.759670 W
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:Modjeski, Masters & Chase
References:AAJ, SJR, SSS
Use:Vehicular (two-lane), with walkway
Status:In use (last checked: 2022)
Main Cables:Wire (steel)
Suspended Spans:3
Main Span:1 x 323.1 meters (1,060 feet)
Side Spans:2 x 141.7 meters (464.9 feet)
Deck width:28 feet

Notes:

  • 2022, March: USD$23.4 million budgeted for rehabilitation project including suspender cable replacements, steel repairs, and painting.
  • 2019: Closed late 2019 due to suspender cable corrosion. Short-term fixes applied to reduce the stress on the suspenders and to prevent rusting.
  • 2020, June: Reopened with a 15-ton weight limit after installation of temporary support rods and brackets to reduce the stress on damaged cables.

External Links:

Photo by David Denenberg Photo by Stephen Schutte Photo by Wayne Grodkiewicz Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1962: (pipeline bridge)

Grays Branch, Greenup vicinity, Kentucky and Franklin Furnace, Ohio, USA - Ohio River
Bridgemeister ID:880 (added 2003-09-01)
Year Completed:1962
Name:(pipeline bridge)
Location:Grays Branch, Greenup vicinity, Kentucky and Franklin Furnace, Ohio, USA
Crossing:Ohio River
Coordinates:38.66058 N 82.85889 W
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:Weldon F. Appelt, P.E., Clear Span Engineering, Inc
Use:Pipeline
Status:Extant (last checked: 2021)
Main Cables:Wire (steel)
Main Span:1 x 609.6 meters (2,000 feet)

Notes:

  • Just downstream of Greenup Dam. Built for Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co. Carries two 30" gas pipelines.

External Links:

Photo by David Denenberg Photo by Wayne Grodkiewicz


Do you have any information or photos for these bridges that you would like to share? Please email david.denenberg@bridgemeister.com.


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