Associated Press Published

Wheeling Mayor Asking State Officials To Reopen Suspension Bridge

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A West Virginia mayor is asking state officials to reopen a suspension bridge.

Officials closed the Wheeling Suspension Bridge indefinitely last month due to vehicles crossing that exceeded the weight limit.

The Intelligencer reports Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliott sent a letter to state Transportation Secretary Byrd White last week suggesting that officials use design and enforcement solutions that would allow the historic span to remain open “in a safe and responsible manner.”

Elliott said the closure limits access to Wheeling Island due to the Interstate 70 Bridges Project in Ohio County. He said the city wants to protect the bridge, but also would like to keep it open to at least some traffic.

State officials have said the bridge will be closed until permanent repairs are made.