MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (AP) West Virginia’s second oldest bridge is heading for retirement.
Built in 1832, the Van Metre Ford bridge in Berkeley County carries Golf Course Road over Opequon Creek east of Martinsburg. The state Division of Highways plans to replace the one-lane stone-arch bridge with a new three-lane span upstream.
Gary R. Klavuhn with the DOH’s District 5 said July 22 that construction on the new bridge is expected to begin next year.
Klavuhn said the Van Metre Ford bridge will be remain open to foot traffic after the new span opens.
The state Department of Transportation’s Web site said West Virginia’s oldest bridge is the Elm Grove Stone Arch on U.S. 40 near downtown Wheeling. It was built in 1817.
