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The Wheeling Suspension Bridge
The Wheeling Suspension Bridge, shown Thursday, May 8, 2003, connecting Wheeling, W.Va., and Wheeling Island, was built in the 1840’s and is part of this scenic byway. This weekend, the Federal Highway Administration and the six-state National Road Alliance are launching a campaign to get even more people traveling the 800-mile road scenic byway that stretches from Cumberland, Md., to Vandalia, Ill. (AP Photo | Charles P. Saus)

Repeated Weight Limit Violations Close W.Va. Suspension Bridge

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WHEELING, W.Va. (AP) — Vehicles exceeding the weight limit of a West Virginia suspension bridge have led officials to close it indefinitely.

News outlets report the Wheeling Suspension Bridge closed Tuesday morning and won’t be open to vehicular traffic for at least a year. Pedestrians can still walk or bike across.

A charter bus weighing well over the weight limit caused the bridge to close for more than a month earlier this year. The bridge passed inspections and officials added barriers and signs.

The Friends of Wheeling organization says those changes haven’t stopped violators. Members recently observed over 100 vehicles weighing more than the 2-ton weight limit drive over the bridge.

West Virginia Department of Transportation Acting District Engineer Joe Juszczak says the bridge will be closed until permanent repairs are made.