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?

1. It's on the National Register of Historic Places.

Although the bridge is not yet 50 years old, it was deemed to be significant enough to West Virginia's history to be included.

2. The bridge was constructed using trolleys running on cables that spanned the gorge.

It took three years to complete and cost almost 37 million dollars.

3. It's made of COR-TEN steel.

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.

4. An average of 16,200 motor vehicles cross the bridge every day.

And they all get treated to an amazing view!

5. For a while it was the longest arch bridge in the world.

Now it's the 3rd longest in the world, and the longest in the western hemisphere. The two longer bridges are both in China.

6. You can walk across the bridge.

A company called Bridge Walk facilitates the walks across the bridge, which pass under the roadway.

7. You can get married on the bridge.

Bridge Walk also recently hosted their first wedding on the bridge.

8. The New River Gorge Bridge is featured on West Virginia's state quarter, released in 2005.

It was chosen by popular vote.

9. You can't actually bungee jump off the bridge on Bridge Day.

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.

10. The bridge has helped West Virginia's economy.

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.