Parkersburg Bridge

Parkersburg Bridge is a railway bridge spanning the Ohio River between Parkersburg in West Virginia and Belpre in Ohio. The metal structure allows trains to cross from one state to the other, serving as a vital link in the regional rail network.

Construction started in 1871 and represented a major advancement in regional transportation infrastructure. The bridge opened for service later that year and provided the first direct railway crossing of the Ohio River at this location.

The National Register of Historic Places designation highlights the bridge's role in shaping local identity and reinforcing connections between West Virginia and Ohio communities.

The bridge can be viewed from several vantage points along the Ohio River banks, accessible from both sides. Both Parkersburg and Belpre offer parking areas and walking paths that provide good access to the riverfront and views of the structure.

The bridge serves as both a railway crossing and a testament to 19th-century engineering methods, maintaining its original purpose after more than 150 years.

Location: Parkersburg

Location: Belpre

Inception: January 7, 1871

Official opening: 1871

GPS coordinates: 39.27100,-81.56570

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:09