PRESTON COUNTY, W.Va. — The state Division of Highways has announced the immediate closure of the 113-year-old Bull Run Road Bridge in Preston County to vehicular traffic.
“This bridge recently received its annual inspection, at which time a number of major deficiencies were identified resulting in severe safety concerns,” WVDOH District 4 Manager Earl Gaskins said. “The deficiencies found were unrepairable and severe enough to deem the bridge unsafe for all vehicular traffic.
“Since this bridge does not serve any dwellings or businesses there are no immediate plans to repair or replace the structure at this time,” Gaskins said.
Many use the Bull Run Bridge on the ay to Blue Hole, a whitewater access and swimming area. In September 2020, the West Virginia Land Trust purchased Blue Hole and the area surrounding it who partner with Friends of the Cheat to manage public use of the site.
Now, drivers will have to reroute south to Albright or north to Cheat Lake to cross the Cheat River.
The bridge was built in 1912.
Story by Mike Nolting, WAJR