Transportation In West Virginia
AIR – HIGHWAY – RAIL – WATER – PRT
West Virginia Studies
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“Transportation” – West Virginia Archives and History
- General
- Air: (Kanawha Airport; National Guard Plane Crash; Marshall Plane Crash)
- Bridges: (Wheeling Bridge; New River Gorge Bridge)
- Bus and Trolley
- Railroads: (B&O; C&O; Holly River and Addison; Coal & Coke)
- Roads: (Staunton and Parkersburg Turnpike; Good Roads; West Virginia Turnpike)
- Water: (James Rumsey; Steamer H. K. Bedford)
“West Virginia Department of Transportation”
“It is the mission of the West Virginia Department of Transportation to create and maintain for the people of West Virginia, the United States and the world a multi-modal and inter-modal transportation system that supports the safe, effective and efficient movement of people, information, and goods that enhances the opportunity for people and communities to enjoy environmentally sensitive and economically sound development.”
Explore “West Virginia Department of Transportation” Website
The West Virginia Department of Transportation contains the following Agencies/Divisions: (Click on agency name to explore website.)
Aeronautics
Highways
Motor Vehicles
Parkways
Public Port Authority
Public Transit
State Rail Authority
“Maps” – West Virginia DOT
“The [West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) Geospatial Transportation Information Section] is responsible for producing the following maps and is currently in the process of reproducing them in a GIS format. Please be aware that these maps are snapshots of spatial data at a certain time and therefore the information presented on the maps may not be current.”
Explore WV DOT’s “Maps” Website — includes: Official State Tourism Map; State General Highway Map; Functional Classification Map; State Highway Base Map; County General Highway Maps; and others.
“Great West Virginia Map”
The “Official State Highway Map 2010” pdf is one of the best for education. Railroads, roads, highways, airports, and other important locations are clearly shown while waterways are bright blue and easily seen. Though dated 2010, it is missing only some of the most recent highway construction–such as Corridor H, Rt 9, Rt 10, and the Coalfields Expressway–projects which are shown as under construction but may be completed now. It is also more accurate than many more recent Official Highway Maps from the DOT.
Explore “Official State Highway Map 2010” (pdf )
AIR TRANSPORTATION
“West Virginia Aeronautics Commission”
“Airports are a vital key to our transportation system. From private to commercial and passenger to air cargo, West Virginia’s airports play a significant role in the state’s economy and the communities they serve. These airports are also located close to other intermodal forms of transportation, thereby allowing greater access and competitive transportation opportunities to businesses and individuals.”
Explore “West Virginia Aeronautics Commission” Website
“West Virginia has 35 public airports and dozens of private airports and landing strips. Of the state’s 35 public airports, 7 offer commercial airline service, with the remaining offering general aviation airfields, among additional support services.”
Explore West Virginia Aeronautics Commission’s “Airport Websites” List
HIGHWAY TRANSPORTATION
“West Virginia Division of Highways”
“The Division of Highways is responsible for planning, engineering, right-of-ways acquisition, construction, reconstruction, traffic regulation, and maintenance of more than 35,000 miles of state roads. Additional duties include highway research, outdoor advertising contiguous to state roads, roadside development, safety, and weight enforcement, and dissemination of highway information.
Traversing mountains, valleys, wild rivers, and rolling countryside, the roadways maintained by the Division of Highways include:
- 38,770 miles of public roads (2016 Public Certified Mileage)
- 34,691 miles of state owned highways, 835 miles of federally owned roads, and 3,244 miles of municipally owned roads
- 555 miles of State owned Interstate Highway
- 87 miles of West Virginia Turnpike
- 1,988 miles included in the National Highway System, 23 miles of which are connectors to other modes of transportation such as airports, trains and buses
- 6,958 bridges of which 33 percent are more than 100 feet in length
- 1 All American Road, 5 National Byways, 14 State Byways and 8 Backways.
“The more than 4,800 men and women of the Division of Highways (DOH) are proud to preserve the quality and integrity of this world-class mountain transportation system.”
Explore “West Virginia Division of Highways” Website
“Highway Facts”
“The Division of Highways plans, designs, builds and maintains the state highway system. There are some 36,000 miles of state-maintained highways that include 6,636 bridges (this figure does not include 238 railroad bridges, 117 city and county bridges, 99 West Virginia Turnpike bridges, 20 state park bridges, two private toll bridges and 132 other non-highway bridges.)”
Explore West Virginia Division of Highways’ “Highway Facts” Website
(Thanks to the WVDOH, many of the highways in WV have their own pages in Wikipedia. Use search terms such as: U.S. Route 50, West Virginia Route 2, Interstate 77 or Corridor G.)
“State and National Highway – Related Milestones”
“The economic growth and prosperity of the United States (US) is attributable in no small part to the quality of its transportation system—a system greatly dependent upon highways. In order to fully appreciate the West Virginia (WV) highway system, a brief summary of national and State transportation milestones is presented.” (Last updated 1997)
Explore WVDOH’s “State and National Highway-Related Milestones” Website pdf
“Bridge Facts”
“The construction of bridges must be viewed in the context of a society bent on internal improvements, expansion and the exploitation of the nation’s natural resources,’ noted Dr. Emory Kemp, West Virginia University professor and head of its History of Science and Technology graduate program, in his 1984 survey for the state Division of Highways, West Virginia’s Historic Bridges. . .”
Continue reading at West Virginia DOH’s “Bridge Facts” Website
“Crossings: Bridge Building in West Virginia”
‘“Crossings – Bridge Building in West Virginia” is an hour-long documentary, completed in 2006, that shows the formidable terrain early settlers faced as they crossed over the Appalachian Mountains, and how they overcame these transportation barriers with innovative, award-winning structures. The documentary covers all 17 of West Virginia’s covered bridges and highlights engineering masterpieces such as the world famous New River Gorge Bridge. “Crossings” presents a tremendous amount of historic, cultural, aesthetic, engineering, and geo-political information in a fresh and entertaining fashion.’
The Video: (55:33/2006/ WV Division of Highways) [Introduction: 0:00 — Part 1: Stone Arch Bridges 4:30 — Part 2: Covered Bridges 7:30 Part 3: Newer Bridges 23:10 — Part 4: Modern Bridges 37:48]
“Stone Arch Bridges”
– Clendenin
– Elm Grove
– Van Metre Ford
Explore West Virginia DOH’s “Stone Arch Bridges” Website for information on each of these bridges
“West Virginia’s Oldest Bridge Celebrates 200th Birthday”
“Built 200 years ago to carry Conestoga wagons and stagecoaches across Little Wheeling Creek on the National Road, America’s first federally funded highway, West Virginia’s oldest bridge still is an active component of the national highway system, carrying more than 16,000 vehicles a day across the Ohio County stream. . .”
Explore Charleston Gazette-Mail’s “West Virginia’s Oldest Bridge Celebrates 200th Birthday” article
“West Virginia Covered Bridges”
- Barrackville
- Carolton
- Center Point
- Dents Run
- Fish Creek
- Fletcher Creek
- Herns Mill
- Hokes Mill
- Indian Creek
- Laurel Creek
- Locust Creek
- Milton
- Philippi
- Sarvis Fork
- Simpson Creek
- Statts Mill
- Walkersville
Explore West Virginia DOH’s “Covered Bridges” Website
“More about West Virginia’s Covered Bridges”
Explore “Truss Types” used in West Virginia ‘s Covered Bridges (pdf)
Explore West Virginia Covered Bridge “Location Map” (pdf)
Explore “West Virginia Covered Bridges” Brochure 1988 (pdf)
“West Virginia Covered Bridges”
“Discover West Virginia’s most endearing highway structures–its seventeen remaining covered bridges. These transportation treasures will take you back to a simpler time. Enjoy the history, engineering specifications, directions and beautiful images of West Virginia’s covered bridges!” (57:37/2014/Vandalia Productions)
“17 Most Scenic Covered Bridges in the West Virginia Countryside”
“West Virginia’s covered bridges are some of the most photographed landmarks in the state.
“Set against a backdrop of autumn color, they are perfect for leaf-peeping drives. The Mountain State has 17 covered bridges, dating back to the late 19th and early 20th century– each unique in its own respect.”
Explore West Virginia Tourism’s “17 Most Scenic Covered Bridges in the WV Countryside” Website
“West Virginia Covered Bridges” – Steve Shaluta
Several pages of photos and descriptions by professional photographer Steve Shaluta.
“A Wheeling Suspension Bridge Tour”
“The history of the Wheeling Suspension Bridge is intimately involved in the history of Wheeling and must be viewed in terms of a national emphasis on
what was then called “internal improvements,” which meant the construction of a network of transportation systems to join the untapped natural resources of the Midwest with the commercial centers on the eastern seaboard. One of the earliest advocated for “internal improvements” was Albert Gallatin, who as Secretary of the Treasury published his influential report on roads and canals in 1808. However, before the dawn of the nineteenth century Ebenezer Zane, the founder of Wheeling, received approval from the U. S. Congress to build a post road in the Northwest Territory from Wheeling to Limestone (now Maysville), Kentucky. This established Wheeling as a gateway to the Northwest Territories. This position was greatly enhanced with the construction of the National Road from Cumberland, Maryland to Wheeling. . .”
Explore Ohio Co. Public Library’s “A Wheeling Suspension Bridge Tour” Website to continue reading
“Wheeling Suspension Bridge” – American Society of Civil Engineers
“We have seen the stones laid one upon another, and like the workman who builds himself to the top of the highest tower, we scarcely appreciate the work we have done. … But the stranger, who sees it for the first time, looks up with awe and wonder to those immense towers and gigantic cables. … Wonderful as the age is, this is truly one of its most wonderful and majestic works. …” – The Daily Wheeling Gazette, Oct. 1, 1849
Explore ASCE’s “Wheeling Suspension Bridge” Website
“Wheeling, West Virginia Suspension Bridge”
“First long span wire-cable suspension bridge and longest clear-span bridge built pre Civil War. In Wheeling, West Virginia crosses the Ohio River.” (4:29/2010/Wanda Kaluza) (Ms. Kaluza is from NJ, and probably an elementary teacher)
“Modern Bridges”
– Blennerhassett Bridge
– Charles C. Rogers Bridge
– Clifford Hollow Bridge
– High Level Bridge
– Lower Buffalo Bridge
– New River Bridge
– Star City Bridge
– Weirton-Steubenville Bridge
– Robert C. Beach (formerly West Buckeye) Bridge
Explore WV DOH’s “Modern Bridges” Website for information on each of these bridges
“New River Gorge Bridge”




Explore National Park Service’s “New River Gorge Bridge” Website
“Why the New River Gorge Bridge Was Built”
“This video features vintage footage of the building of the New River Gorge Bridge, along with interviews with people who were there during construction.” (5:38/2012/Bridge Day)
“1993 GMC Jimmy Commercial – Bungee Jumping from New River Gorge Bridge”
“Recorded in 1992 in West Virginia from the New River Gorge Bridge, A GMC Jimmy was flung off the side from 876 feet above the river below. GMC, the WV state department of roads, the designers of the bridge worked together with a company named Bungee adventures to engineer the stunt. Computer modeling showed that the factory hitch receiver was adequate and no modifications were made to the vehicle. With seven cameras in position, the commercial was filmed in just one take, as they only had one chance to do it. With the Jimmy dangling hundreds of feet below the bridge, a worker was lowered down by cable to attach the winching hardware to return it to the road deck. Popular Mechanics featured the production of the commercial in their March 1993 issue.” (:40/2021/Pete’s S10 Page)
“GMC Truck Bungee Jumping” (0:32/2007/bungeeadventures99) [Alternate version]
“America’s Byways”
“America’s Byways® is the umbrella term we use for the collection of 150 distinct and diverse roads designated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation. America’s Byways include the National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads. America’s Byways are gateways to adventures where no two experiences are the same. The National Scenic Byways Program invites you to Come Closer to America’s heart and soul…”
Explore Federal Highway Administration’s “America’s Byways” Website
Explore America’s Byways’ “West Virginia Byways” Website
“West Virginia’s Byways And Backways”
“While most roads in West Virginia are beautiful and fun to drive, these 23 byways and backways were chosen because they offer a unique and picturesque glimpse into the Mountain State’s history and natural beauty. From the largely unpaved backways to state byways to the National Scenic Highways, Heritage Trails and the All-American Historic National Road, these roadways are a slower-paced alternative to frantic Interstate traffic.”
Explore West Virginia Tourism’s “West Virginia Byways Map” pdf – A much larger version of the map.
“ALL-AMERICAN ROAD”
“Historic National Road”
“The National Road, today called U.S. Route 40, was the first highway built entirely with federal funds. The road was authorized by Congress in 1806 during the Jefferson Administration. Construction began in Cumberland, Maryland in 1811. The route closely paralleled the military road opened by George Washington and General Braddock in 1754-55.”
Explore National Park Service’s “Historic National Road” Website
“Historic National Road”
“The Historic National Road was the nation’s first federally funded interstate highway. It opened the nation to the west and became a corridor for the movement of goods and people. Today, visitors experience a physical timeline, including classic inns, tollhouses, diners, and motels that trace 200 years of American history.”
“Historic National Road”
“While America was still in its infancy, a novel idea was hatched – to build a roadway that would connect the fertile frontiers of the Midwest to the seaport of Baltimore, Maryland. There had been pikes and toll bridges before, but never had the federal government decided to build a toll-free road of this length. Eventually this road – aptly named Historic National Road – would stretch from Baltimore, Maryland to East St. Louis, Illinois, and on its way, it would have to pass through the narrow northern panhandle of what is now West Virginia. While the Mountain State contains only 16 of the 800 miles of roadway, these 16 miles would grow and prosper and attract many of the nation’s elite. These wealthy businessmen . . .”
“NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAYS” (5)
(1) – “Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike“
”The Staunton – Parkersburg Turnpike National Scenic Byway is an historic highway from Staunton, Virginia across West Virginia to the Ohio River. Enjoy outdoor recreation, historic sites, unique shopping, arts and entertainment, railroading, and more. Follow US 250, US 33 and WV 47 to enjoy what this National Scenic Byway has to offer!”
Explore “Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike National Scenic Byway” Website
“Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike”
“Crucial in the First Campaign of the Civil War, this road now features pristine Civil War sites and charming historic towns. Hike through vast forests; fish in secluded waters; ride a wild mountain railroad. Explore this byway whose woods, small farms and beautiful mountain vistas take you back to an earlier time.”
Explore America’s Byways “Midland Trail” Website – see menu on left for Maps, Directions, and Photos
“Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike”
“Spanning the width of the state, the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike National Scenic Byway witnessed some of the great Civil War battles that determined the future of western Virginia. Begun in 1838, the turnpike followed ancient Indian paths from Staunton, Virginia to the Ohio River port at Parkersburg, (present-day) West Virginia. . . “
“Parkersburg’s Early Boom Attracted Major Turnpikes” – The Blennerhassett Hotel
“Parkersburg was certainly a major hub of transportation throughout the 1800s. Parkersburg was the terminus for two early major turnpike routes, the Northwestern Turnpike and the Staunton and Parkersburg Turnpike. These two roads brought traffic from the east to the Ohio River and beyond. . . ”
Explore Information from The Blennerhassett Hotel’s Commercial Website to read story (pdf)
(2) – “Midland Trail”
“Midland Trail National Scenic Byway is the road of choice for those who want to leave the interstate behind and see the Best of West Virginia as Route 60 winds the 180-miles across West Virginia’s midsection offering a drive filled with fabulous vistas, world-class rafting, outdoor fun, art and artisan treasures & pioneer history. “
Explore “Midland Trail National Scenic Byway” Website
“Midland Trail”
“Begin at the State Capitol and travel through Malden, boyhood home of Booker T. Washington. Then continue through white-water mountain country and the breathtaking scenery of New River Gorge and Hawks Nest State Park. On the eastern end, encounter colonial Lewisburg, and the oldest golf course in the US.”
Explore America’s Byways “Midland Trail” Website – see menu on left for Maps, Directions, and Photos
“Midland Trail”
“Once a major migration route for vast herds of buffalo, Midland Trail has seen many changes in the Mountain State’s landscape. Whether it’s the large Native American burial mounds in South Charleston and Dunbar or the Civil War re-enactments held in Carnifex Ferry State Park, history surrounds this byway.”
Includes: “Huntington, Charleston, Historic Sites, Opportunities for Recreation”
“Highway to History: West Virginia Author Helps Illustrate History of Midland Trail” – AppalachianHistory.net
AppalachianHistory.net: “Stories, quotes and anecdotes from Appalachia”
“The route U.S. 60 follows as it traverses the breadth of Southern West Virginia has gone through a number of name changes.”
Explore “AppalachianHistory.net” Website to read story
(3) – “Washington Heritage Trail“
“WELCOME TO THE ONLINE GUIDE TO WEST VIRGINIA’S WASHINGTON HERITAGE TRAIL. Use this site to discover and explore the natural and cultural history of 18th-century towns, 19th-century industrial sites, Washington family homes, springs, rivers and mountain ranges located along 136 miles of the scenic Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.”
Explore “Washington Heritage Trail National Scenic Byway” Website
“Washington Heritage Trail”
“Follow the footsteps of George Washington through West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle and a landscape rich in historic, natural, and scenic resources. Mountains and valleys, rivers and springs, vestiges of bygone industries and five picturesque 18th-century towns highlight a rural retreat combined with rich cultural attractions.”
“Washington Heritage Trail”
“Driving down the Washington Heritage Trail, it is hard to determine whether the history of the land or the scenery is more amazing… this 112-mile loop (with a 25 mile spur to Paw Paw, WV) passes by more than 100 sites listed on the National Register for Historic Places. Everything from Civil War battle sites to historic spas dot the landscape on this national scenic byway.”
Includes: “A Tumultuous History, The Nation’s First Spa, A Famous Tunnel, Belle Boyd House”
(4) – “Coal Heritage Trail”
“The Coal Heritage Trail is a nationally designated scenic highway showcasing America’s remarkable industrial heritage. The isolated and remote Appalachian coalfields exploded in population and coal production one hundred years ago, as European immigrants African-Americans migrated in search of jobs and new lives.”
Explore “The Coal Heritage Trail National Scenic Byway” Website
“Coal Heritage Trail”
“Highland Scenic Highway”
“Travel through a wild and undeveloped portion of the Monongahela National Forest. Hardwood forests cover rolling, mountainous terrain capped by dark spruce at high elevations. Traverse a narrow and steep-walled valley with views of clear mountain streams. Sights include Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, Summit Lake, and Falls of Hills Creek.”