A tied-arch bridge span floated a mile down the Ohio River in April 2021, marking the first time such a method had been used to install a West Virginia bridge. It was also the heaviest floating bridge lift executed to date in the U.S.

The cable-stayed arch bridge was built off site, upriver, after two existing antiquated spans exceeded their design life. The 1,850-ft-long bridge has main-span length of 830 ft and connects Route 2 in West Virginia near Wellsburg to Route 7 (R7) in Brilliant, Ohio, providing an important and reliable artery for both communities.

Photo courtesy Flatiron Construction Inc.

The $148-million, five-year project also included constructing a one-mile-long pile and panel retaining wall as well as roadway improvements.

The network tied-arch structure weighed more than 4,000 tons. Four barges and a custom jacking system supported the span during the float and lift onto permanent piers. Authorities gave the team a 72-hour window to float the bridge with the river shut down to all boat traffic.