Ohio is home to some of the most impressive bridges in the country, spanning over rivers, gorges, and valleys. Some of these bridges are so high that they can make you dizzy just by looking at them. In this article, we will explore the five highest bridges in Ohio, based on their height over land or water.
1. Jeremiah Morrow Bridge
The Jeremiah Morrow Bridge is the highest bridge in Ohio, and one of the highest in the United States. It crosses over the Little Miami River canyon between Fort Ancient and Oregonia, Ohio. The bridge is named after former Governor of Ohio Jeremiah Morrow.
The bridge consists of two concrete box girder bridges, built between 2010 and 2016, that carry Interstate 71. The bridges are 2,252 feet long, 55 feet wide, and have 440 feet main spans. The bridges are 239 feet above the river, making them nearly seven times higher than the Statue of Liberty.
The original bridges at the same location were steel truss bridges, opened in 1965, and demolished in 2014 and 2017. They were similar in design and age to the I-35W Mississippi River bridge that collapsed in 2007.
2. Phil G. McDonald Bridge
The Phil G. McDonald Bridge, also known as the Glade Creek Bridge, is the second highest bridge in Ohio. It spans over Glade Creek in West Virginia, near the border with Ohio. The bridge is named after Phil G. McDonald, a former West Virginia state senator and judge.
The bridge is a steel arch bridge, opened in 1988, that carries West Virginia Route 41. The bridge is 700 feet long, and has a main span of 680 feet. The bridge is 700 feet above the creek, making it the highest arch bridge in the United States.
The bridge was built as part of the Appalachian Development Highway System, a network of roads that connects rural areas in the Appalachian region. The bridge offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
3. Ironton-Russell Bridge
The Ironton-Russell Bridge is the third highest bridge in Ohio. It crosses over the Ohio River, connecting the cities of Ironton, Ohio, and Russell, Kentucky. The bridge is also known as the Oakley C. Collins Memorial Bridge, after a former Ohio state representative.
The bridge is a cable-stayed bridge, opened in 2016, that carries U.S. Route 23. The bridge is 1,720 feet long, and has a main span of 900 feet. The bridge is 210 feet above the river, making it the highest cable-stayed bridge in Ohio.
The bridge replaced an older bridge at the same location, which was a cantilever truss bridge, opened in 1922, and closed in 2016. The old bridge was one of the oldest bridges over the Ohio River, and was known for its narrow lanes and low clearance.
4. Veterans’ Glass City Skyway
The Veterans’ Glass City Skyway is the fourth highest bridge in Ohio. It crosses over the Maumee River, near the city of Toledo, Ohio. The bridge is named in honor of the veterans of the U.S. armed forces, and features a glass sculpture that illuminates at night.
The bridge is a cable-stayed bridge, opened in 2007, that carries Interstate 280. The bridge is 8,800 feet long, and has a main span of 1,225 feet. The bridge is 200 feet above the river, making it the longest cable-stayed bridge in Ohio.
The bridge was built to replace the Craig Memorial Bridge, which was a drawbridge, opened in 1954, and closed in 2009. The old bridge was prone to traffic congestion and frequent malfunctions, and was the only drawbridge on the Interstate Highway System.
5. William H. Harsha Bridge
The William H. Harsha Bridge is the fifth highest bridge in Ohio. It crosses over the Ohio River, near the town of Maysville, Kentucky. The bridge is named after William H. Harsha, a former U.S. congressman from Ohio.
The bridge is a cable-stayed bridge, opened in 2001, that carries U.S. Route 62 and U.S. Route 68. The bridge is 2,041 feet long, and has a main span of 1,051 feet. The bridge is 193 feet above the river, making it the first cable-stayed bridge over the Ohio River.
The bridge replaced the Simon Kenton Memorial Bridge, which was a suspension bridge, opened in 1931, and still in use for local traffic. The old bridge was one of the last bridges designed by John A. Roebling, the engineer of the Brooklyn Bridge.
Conclusion
Ohio has some of the most amazing bridges in the country, that not only serve as vital transportation links, but also as engineering marvels and artistic landmarks. These bridges are so high that they can make your head spin, but they also offer spectacular views and experiences. If you are looking for a thrill, or just want to appreciate the beauty and innovation of these structures, you should definitely visit the five highest bridges in Ohio.