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W.Va. Closes Wheeling Island Bridge Amid Safety Concerns
< < Back to w-va-closes-wheeling-island-bridge-amid-safety-concernsWHEELING ISLAND, W.Va. (AP) – The West Virginia Division of Highways has closed a bridge that connects Wheeling Island with Bridgeport, Ohio amid concerns over its deterioration.
The Intelligencer/Wheeling News-Register reports workers constructed a fence at the Aetnaville Bridge on Wednesday, preventing pedestrians and cyclists from entering. The bridge has been closed to vehicle traffic since 1988.
West Virginia Department of Transportation Communications Director Brent Walker says a fence will also be put up the bridge’s Ohio side.
Some residents say they believe conditions are far less safe for pedestrians and bicyclists now that the bridge is no longer an option for them. Many will have to use alternative routes, which include dealing with traffic and intersections.
Walker says the bridge was closed for safety reasons. He says there’s been no final decision on its future.