Mark Spearman

Bellaire, Ohio Toll Bridge To Be Demolished Soon.

I took a picture of this interesting bridge in Bellaire, Ohio a few years back and didn’t take much time to learn about it’s history. I was working on photos for Belmont County, Ohio. It turns out it’s pretty significant and there are many not happy about The Bellaire Toll Bridge being demolished.

It is an interesting historical bridge. In fact the entire area is full of interesting and historical structures in Bellaire, Ohio and Wheeling, WV. The nation was built with everything going west going through this area. Steel was produced here and not far away in Pittsburgh.

The quality and architecture that put this area together for the railroads and the highways is amazing. Our nations finest craftsman did the work. The Italian stoneworkers left their mark all over Bellaire, Ohio.

The strange thing about this bridge is that it is still usable! It just needs ramps to it and it’s a go. Salt was never used on it and the rust you see is only surface rust. The concrete deck has deteriorated, but the most costly parts of the bridge are intact. It’s only reason for demolition is that the Coast Guard claims it’s a navigational hazard. If it’s not being used, they’re correct.

As I watch the traffic on I-70 pile up, you have to wonder why every alternative isn’t used to keep the traffic flowing on this old bridge. As soon as they demolish this, you can bet the government will be hitting the tax payers with a bill for a new bridge.