FAYETTEVILLE -
The 1977 opening of the New River Gorge Bridge marked the end of an engineering feat and the beginning of new possibilities for southern West Virginia.
The bridge builders, all members of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental & Reinforcing Iron Workers Local No. 301, were part of the historic structure's making.
Several will reunite on Saturday, May 5, at the new Bridge Walk attraction for an opportunity to see the structure they built in a new light.
Bridge Walk tours, launched in Sept. 2010, allow guests an up-close look at the workings of the bridge and its engineering highlights and to experience the massive structure that connects the banks of the New River National River.
The catwalk allows visitors to walk under the entire length of the bridge while discovering the engineering innovations, the history of the gorge and the views 876 feet above the river.
Bridge Walk managing member Benjy Simpson explains why the day was set aside for the Iron Workers.
"The bridge builder, American Bridge Division of US Steel, used Iron Workers Local No. 301 of Charleston as the clearinghouse for all bridge workers. Many of these Iron Workers were seldom recognized for the job they performed," Simpson said, adding that the May 5 event will let them see their achievement from a new perspective.
"We look forward to hearing stories about the construction, techniques, and the history they helped shape," Simpson said.
At least five builders and their families are scheduled to take part in the event.
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