10 Fascinating Things You Probably Didn't Know About The New River Gorge Bridge In West Virginia
The New River Gorge Bridge is one of the iconic landmarks that define West Virginia. We all know it’s beautiful, but did you know these facts about its history?
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Although the bridge is not yet 50 years old, it was deemed to be significant enough to West Virginia's history to be included.
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It took three years to complete and cost almost 37 million dollars.
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This type of steel forms its own protective outer layer, so it doesn't need to be painted. This saves a million dollars each time the bridge would have needed to be painted with traditiona steel.
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And they all get treated to an amazing view!
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Now it's the 3rd longest in the world, and the longest in the western hemisphere. The two longer bridges are both in China.
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A company called Bridge Walk facilitates the walks across the bridge, which pass under the roadway.
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Bridge Walk also recently hosted their first wedding on the bridge.
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It was chosen by popular vote.
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Bungee Jumping at previous Bridge Days caused some safety issues. But you can still BASE jump! Rappelling is also an option. The annual Bridge Day will be held on Saturday, October 15 in 2016.
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What was once a 45 minute trip across the gorge now takes 45 seconds, making travel more economical from one region to another. It also draws about 80,000 visitors each year from around the globe.
If you can’t get enough bridges in West Virginia, check out these other amazing bridges.
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