A Sightseer's Guide to EngineeringNational Society of Professional EngineersNational Engineer's Week
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In 1847, Charles Ellet, Jr. was selected over John Roebling to build a bridge linking Wheeling to Ohio. That same year, Ellet also won the bid to build the Niagara Suspension Bridge. Ironically, Ellet was fired from the latter project and Roebling was hired to complete it.


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Wheeling Suspension Bridge
U.S. Route 40
Wheeling, WV 26003
800/828-3097 or 304/233-7709
Web Site
Drive over this National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. 
Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours daily. Need a map?
The Wheeling Suspension Bridge, one of the world's oldest and longest, has the general appearance of the original bridge constructed in 1849. That bridge, however, collapsed during a wind storm in 1854. Its dramatic fall provided engineers with the best practical lesson in the aerodynamic response of bridges subjected to high winds until the destruction of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in 1940. The bridge underwent repairs and alterations through the years and eventually was restored in 1982. In 1987, the bridge was festooned with 154 specially designed globe lights. Further renovation was completed in 1999.
 
Who Made It: Charles Ellet, Jr.
 
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Alan Behr (Image1) www.wvdot.com (Image 2 & 3)