Great turnout for Bridge Day Celebration in Louisa

The annual Bridge Day Celebration/street party was held on Friday, June 27, in Louisa.

The first bridge connecting Louisa and Fort Gay, West Virginia served as an essential link, spanning the Big Sandy River and connecting communities on both sides. This historic cantilever truss bridge played a crucial role in facilitating local and regional transport. The construction of the bridge started in 1905, with a total cost of $39,145. It was opened on Wednesday, June 27, 1906 at 4 P.M.

The historic 1906 cantilever truss bridge had fallen short of modern structural standards. Construction on a new bridge was started in April of 1978, and after an investment of $4,900,000, it opened on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 1980 at noon. Once the new bridge stood tall, the 1906 bridge was meticulously demolished.

Following the bridge walk, there was live music and vendors in the street. Fred M. Vinson Day was also celebrated since it was National Fred Day on Saturday, June 28.