Associated Press Published

State Rejects Request, Won’t Reopen Wheeling Suspension Bridge

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West Virginia transportation officials have rejected a mayor’s request 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 state Transportation Secretary Byrd White responded Monday to a request from Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliott. White said the bridge will remain closed to vehicular traffic “until a permanent solution can be developed.”

White said he doesn’t think temporary measures Elliott proposed such as tolling and weight stations would prevent more damage to the bridge.

Elliott had suggested that state officials could use the measures to allow the historic span to remain open “in a safe and responsible manner” for at least some traffic while a permanent solution was sought.