New River Gorge Bridge, West Virginia. September 17, 2011.
(Note: All pictures may be enlarged by clicking on them once or twice.)
This is my post for the Scenic Sunday meme, which shares beautiful scenes from around the world. To see more Scenic Sunday posts, or to join and show your own pictures, click HERE.
One of the places Betsy and I visited during our travels in September was the New River Gorge in West Virginia. We had visited the upper part of the New River back in April, 2009, and we wanted to see the new bridge over the gorge on US 19. The bridge is the third longest arch bridge in the world. We also thought it would be nice to drive down into the gorge along the old road.
The picture above is of the new New River Gorge Bridge, taken as we started going down into the gorge following the old winding road (West Virginia Route 82).
The Tunney Hunsaker Bridge across the New River, Fayette Station, West Virginia. September 17, 2011.
The Tunney Hunsaker Bridge carries Route 82 across the New River at Fayette Station at the bottom of the gorge. This bridge, and the winding road down into and then up out of the gorge was the only way to get across the river until the new bridge was built in 1977.
Routes across the New River Gorge in West Virginia.
The map above shows US 19 and the new bridge across the gorge, and the old route (in gold) that had to be used before the bridge was built.
The New River Gorge Bridge as seen from the old bridge across the river. September 17, 2011.
I was able to get a picture of the new bridge high above the river from a walkway on the old bridge.
Tags: River, Scenic Sunday, Travels, West Virginia
Senior Moments 
October 30, 2011 at 11:45 pm |
Wow, that last picture is really something! In the first picture, it looks like two bridges, one straight and one curved. But it is a trick of the eye!
October 30, 2011 at 11:57 pm |
If I’m seeing the old (gold) route correctly, that was a lot of winding and twisting that has now been eliminated.
October 31, 2011 at 5:33 am |
Nice shots George – I especially appreciate the map. For our annual vist home to Fairmont, WV, we go up Rte 19 and have experienced it going from a two lane road across the old bridge to the nice four lane it is now. We got to see the new bridge being built and it was a pretty impressive site.
October 31, 2011 at 7:12 am |
That new bridge is an impressive sight,but I bet the old road is much more scenic.
October 31, 2011 at 9:05 am |
Love those shots!! It is such a beautiful place!
October 31, 2011 at 9:06 am |
Terrific captures as always, George! I really love the last shot! What a beautiful bridge and gorgeous skies for a backdrop! Perfect! Hope you have a great day!
Sylvia
October 31, 2011 at 9:48 am |
when i see bridges like this i always wonder and am amazed at how they build them.
October 31, 2011 at 12:20 pm |
AHHH A wonderful lesson in history!
Thanks
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com
October 31, 2011 at 2:00 pm |
What a lovely place. That is one stunning bridge!
October 31, 2011 at 3:26 pm |
Nice pictures, George! You certainly spent a very great time being there!
October 31, 2011 at 5:00 pm |
I know that bridge well- I go over it when I drive up to Buffalo. I need to go down to the river sometime! Great shots.
October 31, 2011 at 5:41 pm |
Very pretty! You and Betsy have enjoyed some amazing scenery on your trips. Thanks for sharing.
October 31, 2011 at 10:42 pm |
I don’t think I was home the week you were in my lovely WV. The next time you come you have to let me know. 🙂 I would love to meet you.
Just a couple of weeks ago my brother attended Bridge Day on the bridge. He actually gave one of the base jumpers a ride. Lots of people parachuted to the river below.
Lovely shots!
November 1, 2011 at 11:44 am |
What a bridge!! Sometimes (ok, well most of the time) I get sooo scared driving over them! I just started experiencing that a few years back. If Jenna is with me she just holds my hand LOL!
Beautiful shot! I just love it when they put in a new road or a bridge, especially when the roads are winding. They did that on the road to Branson. We make that trip almost every year and I used to get sooo car sick but not anymore!!
November 1, 2011 at 3:07 pm |
Great photos. Bridges are amazing. I love watching shows showing how they are made.
November 1, 2011 at 10:31 pm |
That is a beautiful bridge in a beautiful setting…
(Glad all is going well! with B. I mean)
November 4, 2011 at 5:28 am |
It is mighty! Bridges are always interesting and Your photos presented one of gorgeous bridge. Thank You.
November 8, 2011 at 3:40 am |
[…] Betsy and I got to the New River at the bottom of the gorge (click here to read about our trip down), we parked the car to walk over the bridge. We wanted to get some pictures of the beautiful […]