Ices Ferry Bridge

Location: Monongalia Co., WV
Owner: WV Department of Highways, District 4
General Contractor: Brayman Construction Corp.
Value: $12.5 Million
Date Complete: October 2012

This project will consist of the replacement of a 4 span steel bridge over Cheat Lake, followed by the demolition of the existing, 89 year old structure. The new bridge will have 3 piers in the lake supported on 126 inch diameter caissons. This structure is anticipated to require 2.1 million pounds of structural steel and 3,300 cubic yards of concrete.

The Ices Ferry Bridge was constructed to provide a stable crossing for the residents, stemming from the 1922 theory in which Cheat Lake, created by the hydro-electric dam, could potentially wipe out the entire town. Andrew Ice started Ices Ferry, the first authorized ferry in WV, near the site of the bridge in 1785. During the late 1800’s the town was the epicenter of West Virginia’s iron production.

Ices Ferry Bridge is significant for being one of the longest pin-connected truss bridges in West Virginia. It is also the oldest truss bridge and the only pin-connected truss bridge in the county. The largest span is 258 feet, with a total length of 828 feet and the average daily traffic count over this structure is 7,500.