Dear Residents of Wheeling Island:
It is indeed wonderful news the state of West Virginia soon will invest $18 million into the restoration and preservation of the Wheeling Suspension Bridge. The structural damage will be addressed, and the grand span will be painted and the installation a new lighting system will take place, too.
But make no mistake. The $18 million is to ensure the original “Gateway to the West” doesn’t end up at the bottom of the Ohio River and NOT so we can drive over it again. The Suspension Bridge has been closed to vehicular traffic (except some first-responder vehicles) for two years now, and there are no guarantees the W.Va. Department of Transportation will ever allow cars and trucks on it again.
Think about it. Secretary Byrd White could be thinking, “Eh, those Island folks are probably used to it by now,” but if he does, he fails to understand the flooding scenario. That’s why we encourage Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliott to authorize someone qualified to communicate the need for more access when the river spills over – even if it is only on an emergency basis.
DOH District 6 Engineer Tony Clark has explained the primary problem with the Suspension Bridge lies beneath Main Street because engineers have concluded the northeast anchor is not up to par and must be addressed. Not until that issue is uncovered, assessed, and repaired will Secretary White and Gov. Jim Justice know if reopening the historic landmark is even possible.
If it does, though, just remember 2 tons equals 4,000 pounds, and the weight of your vehicle is printed on one of the stickers on the inside of the driver’s side door. In other words, there exists no excuse for being part of the problem.
Sincerely,
The C.S. Club
P.S.: “C.S.” stands for Common Sense
