Associated Press Published

Rebuilt bridge's debut draws dignitaries, public

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A bridge replacing a 70-year-old span linking Nitro and St. Albans is open for traffic.

The old bridge was demolished earlier this year to make way for the new Dick Henderson Memorial Bridge. It cost nearly $24 million to construct.

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin and Sen. Joe Manchin were among the dignitaries on hand Friday to mark the opening of the span to traffic. It opened to foot traffic Thursday night.

Instead of a ribbon cutting, a construction worker used a blowtorch to cut through a chain.

Hundreds looked on as the new span made its debut.

A new trophy for the annual football rivalry game between St. Albans and Nitro is made from steel from the old span.

For more information on the reconstruction of the Dick Henderson Memorial Bridge, visit the Department of Transportation’s website.