OHIO - A state crisscrossed by rivers and valleys, relies on an extensive network of bridges to connect its communities and facilitate transportation. Among these structures, one stands out for its sheer length: the Valley View Bridge.
Ohio's Span Champion: The Valley View Bridge - The State's Longest Bridge
Carrying Interstate 480 high above the Cuyahoga River valley, this massive bridge holds the title of the longest bridge in Ohio by total length, a vital artery for regional traffic and an impressive feat of engineering.
The Valley View Bridge: A Trio Across the Cuyahoga
The Valley View Bridge is not a single structure but rather a trio of parallel bridges.
- Location: These bridges carry the busy lanes of Interstate 480 across the scenic Cuyahoga River valley, connecting the suburbs of Valley View and Independence, south of Cleveland.
- Length: With a total length of 4,150 feet (1,260 meters), the Valley View Bridge is the longest bridge structure in the state of Ohio.
- Height: The bridge deck stands 215 feet (66 meters) above the valley floor.
- Type: It is classified as a steel multi-stringer highway girder bridge, designed to handle heavy interstate traffic loads.
Other Notable Ohio Bridges
While the Valley View Bridge is the longest overall, Ohio boasts other impressive spans:
- Jeremiah Morrow Bridge: Carrying Interstate 71 over the Little Miami River gorge near Fort Ancient, this bridge is notable for its height. At 239 feet (73 meters), it is higher than the Valley View Bridge, though shorter in length at 2,252 feet (686 meters). It's a concrete box girder design.
- Smolen–Gulf Bridge: Located in Ashtabula County, this bridge holds a different kind of record. At 613 feet (187 meters), it is the longest covered bridge in the United States. While historically significant and visually striking, it is much shorter than the Valley View or Jeremiah Morrow bridges.
Significance of the Valley View Bridge
As the longest bridge in Ohio, the Valley View Bridge is a critical piece of infrastructure. It facilitates the movement of goods and people across the Cuyahoga River valley, supporting regional commerce and daily commutes for thousands of drivers. Its impressive scale makes it a notable landmark in the Cleveland metropolitan area.
The Valley View Bridge, carrying I-480 across the Cuyahoga River valley, stands as Ohio's longest bridge by total length. This impressive trio of steel girder bridges is a vital transportation link and a significant feat of engineering. While other Ohio bridges may be higher or hold different records (like the longest covered bridge), the Valley View Bridge's 4,150-foot span solidifies its place as the reigning champion of length in the Buckeye State.
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Sources:
- Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)
- Bridge engineering databases (e.g., National Bridge Inventory)
- Historical societies of Cuyahoga County
