Bridge Day 2012

Bridge Day is October 20, 2012

Every year, on the 3rd Saturday in October, the New River Gorge Bridge is closed to traffic and we hold the countries largest single-day festival. More than 80,000 people are expected to attend to watch more tham 800 BASE (Building, Antennae, Span, Earth) jumpers who parachute 876-feet from the 2nd highest bridge in America! People will Rappell from the bridge and there will be a Highline off of it as well. With more than a hundred vendors and special events, it's something you don't want to miss.

NARR gives you two great ways to enjoy it - so book early!

• Raft the New River and eat lunch under the bridge as you watch the jumpers from below.
• Go to the "Event" (9am - 3pm) and watch the jumpers from above and raft the next day.
• Pig Roast and Live Band Saturday night for either trip!
  

New River Gorge Bridge Facts

Before the New River Gorge Bridge was finished on the 22nd of October in 1977, travelers had a tedious 45-minute journey along Route 82 (Fayette Station Road) to cross the gorge. Travelers would drive down one side of the gorge, crossing the New River, and then up the other side. The road was narrow and treacherous, requiring several steep switchback turns. In the winter months the road became downright dangerous and scary.Something had to be done.

The construction of the New River Gorge Bridge turned this tedious and dangerous 45-minute journey into a 45-second trip across the top of the gorge, offering spectacular views never scene before. Pedestrian traffic is not allowed on the New River Gorge Bridge at any time - except on Bridge Day. The first New River Gorge Bridge Day was held on November 8, 1980.

New River Gorge Bridge Facts:
Height:  876’
Bridge Length:  3,030’
Arch Length:  1,700’
Rise:  360’
Bid Price:    $33,984,000
Final Cost:  $37,000,000
Weight:  88,000,000 lbs.

• Steel:  44,000,000 lbs.
• Concrete:  44,000,000 lbs.
• Heaviest Piece:  184,000 lbs.
• Arch:  21,066,000 lbs.

Deck Width:  69’ 4”

• Built of COR-TEN steel - the steel forms it’s own protective oxide coating, eliminating the need to paint the bridge which would have coat over a million dollars each time.
• 2,300 bolts used in largest joint connection.
• Maximum trasverse deflection is 21”.
• Work began in 1973 - finished October, 22 1977.
• Designed by:  Michael Baker, Jr., Inc.
• Built by: American Bridge Division of USX Corp.