In 2015 we did a trip across Ohio on the National Road – the original cross country road. This posting is a revisit focusing on the bridges, using the drone for additional views.
The National Road eventually gave way to U.S.40, which in turn was replaced by Interstate 70. All 3 have been considered ‘The National Road’.
We start out again in Wheeling, West Virginia with the Wheeling Suspension Bridge. It was the longest suspension bridge in the world when completed in 1849.
Currently it is closed to vehicle traffic – making a perfect place to stand in the middle of the bridge for photos.
This view from the Wheeling Island side is 60′ up with the drone.
Just west of Wheeling, back in Ohio, is the Blaine Viaduct. This bridge was built in the 1930s to carry U.S. 40 traffic. Below it is the original National Road S Bridge from 1828, and just to the right (out of the photo) is Interstate 70.
The Viaduct bridge has massive concrete arches.
The views of the S Bridge from the drone.
Once you crossed the S bridge there was a steep incline of the road, made completely out of bricks. A portion of the Viaduct is visible in the background.
Further west U.S. 40 the road becomes abandoned.
The view from the drone shows why, I-70 was built directly over top it’s path.
Reaching Guernsey County we find another fantastic stone S Bridge.
This bridge still has a road on it, but it has been closed off to traffic.
Our final S bridge is located just west of the town of New Concord. Again U.S. 40 is literally next to it.
Our final bridge is the famed Y Bridge in Zanesville. This is actually the 5th Y Bridge built at this site.
RDZ Photography 