East Huntington Bridge - Image 1
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East Huntington Bridge

4.1
·41 reviews·Huntington, United States

A pioneering cable-stayed bridge spanning the Ohio River, named after football legend Frank Gatski.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daylight hours

Best views of the structure

CrowdLow
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East Huntington Bridge - Image 1

East Huntington Bridge

Best Time

Daylight hours

Best views of the structure

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A pioneering cable-stayed bridge spanning the Ohio River, named after football legend Frank Gatski.

4.1
(41 reviews)

"It's a very elegant structure, and one of the best looking bridges in the region."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Best Photo Spots

Seek out overlooks near the art museum for stunning city and bridge views.

🚶‍♀️ No Pedestrian Access

Walking the bridge is dangerous; view from afar.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cable-Stayed Design

Cable-Stayed Design

Admire the elegant, modern cable-stayed architecture, a pioneering design in the US.

Ohio River Span

Ohio River Span

Experience the impressive scale of this bridge as it gracefully crosses the Ohio River.

Frank Gatski Memorial

Frank Gatski Memorial

Honor the bridge's namesake, a Pro Football Hall of Famer from nearby Marshall University.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

While the East Huntington Bridge is a functional crossing, its aesthetic appeal shines brightest during daylight hours for clear views. Consider visiting during off-peak traffic times to enjoy the scenery without the rush of daily commuters.

Experiencing the Bridge

The East Huntington Bridge is primarily a vehicular crossing. Pedestrian access is extremely limited and considered dangerous, so plan to view it from designated overlooks or nearby vantage points rather than walking across.

Best Times

When
Daylight hours
Why
Best views of the structure
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday mornings/evenings
Why
Avoid peak commuter traffic
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

⚡️COME GET IT!!⚡️💨💨 Please tag us if f you get it!!
church_of_dirt_
241 likes • 6.9K views

📸 Best Photo Spots

Seek out overlooks near the art museum for stunning city and bridge views. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ No Pedestrian Access

Walking the bridge is dangerous; view from afar. Reddit

reddit.com

Scenic overlooks/Lookouts in the area?

reddit.com

overlook spots

🚗 Toll-Free Crossing

Enjoy the scenic drive across the Ohio River without any tolls. Reddit

💡 Lighting Potential

The bridge could be enhanced with lighting for nighttime appeal. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Best Photo Spots

Seek out overlooks near the art museum for stunning city and bridge views. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ No Pedestrian Access

Walking the bridge is dangerous; view from afar. Reddit

🚗 Toll-Free Crossing

Enjoy the scenic drive across the Ohio River without any tolls. Reddit

💡 Lighting Potential

The bridge could be enhanced with lighting for nighttime appeal. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(41 reviews)

Reviews Summary

The East Huntington Bridge is recognized as an elegant and impressive cable-stayed structure, notable for its pioneering engineering in the U.S. While its primary function is vehicular, its design is aesthetically pleasing. However, a significant drawback is the lack of safe pedestrian access, and some reviewers feel it could benefit from better lighting.

"The East Huntington Bridge, officially named the Frank Gatski Memorial Bridge, is a striking cable-stayed structure that spans the Ohio River between Huntington, West Virginia, and Proctorville, Ohio. It’s not just a beautiful bridge and an engineering feat - it is a landmark with a story.

The East Huntington Bridge was built as a Federal Highway Administration demonstration to test and promote cable-stayed technology which was widely used in Europe but still novel in the United States during the early 1980s. It features hydraulic dampers to reduce cable vibration, with upgrades made in the 2000s.

This was the first concrete cable-stayed bridge in West Virginia and only the third of its kind in the country at the time. The earlier two were the Pasco-Kennewick Intercity Bridge completed in 1978 and the Hale Boggs Memorial Bridge in Louisiana completed in 1983. With the concept proven, later built cable-stayed bridges include the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Tampa completed in 1987, the Dames Point Bridge in Jacksonville completed in 1989 and the Sidney Lanier Bridge in Georgia completed in 2003.

With a total length of 900 feet and a main span of 900 feet, the deck is 40 feet wide and has 33 feet of clearance over the Ohio River. There are 62 stay cables in a fan arrangement stemming from the single central pylon.

It is named for Frank “Gunner” Gatski, a legendary football player from West Virginia. Gatski played for nearby Marshall University in the early 1940s and went on to have a stellar professional career with the Cleveland Browns, winning eight championships and earning induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985. He was the first Marshall alumnus to reach the Hall of Fame.

There is no toll to cross the bridge.

[Review 605 of 2025 - 302 in Ohio - 24166 overall]"

Bruce InCharlotte

"The bridge has the potential to really look nice with some lighting. If someone needed to cross the bridge by walking it is extremely dangerous as there is no room on either side for one to walk."

Sarah Stamper

"This bridge is made to look like it won't stand."

JB Brown

What People Like

Elegant cable-stayed design
Impressive engineering feat
Toll-free crossing

What People Dislike

Dangerous pedestrian access
Could use better lighting

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The East Huntington Bridge, also known as the Frank Gatski Memorial Bridge, connects Huntington, West Virginia, and Proctorville, Ohio, across the Ohio River. You can access it via US-52 on the West Virginia side and State Route 7 on the Ohio side. It's a key part of the local transportation network for drivers. Reddit

Public transportation options directly to the bridge itself are limited. It's primarily designed for vehicular traffic. Travelers typically use personal vehicles or ride-sharing services to reach viewpoints or cross the bridge. Reddit

Designated parking for viewing the bridge isn't widely advertised. However, local parks or public access points along the Ohio River in Huntington or Proctorville might offer suitable vantage points. Reddit

For drivers, US-52 provides direct access from Huntington, WV, while State Route 7 offers access from Proctorville, OH. These routes are well-maintained and offer good views as you approach the bridge. Reddit

No, there is no toll to cross the East Huntington Bridge. It serves as a free crossing over the Ohio River for commuters and travelers. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No tickets are required to cross the East Huntington Bridge, as it is a toll-free public roadway. Reddit

The East Huntington Bridge is open 24/7 as it is a public highway. There are no specific operating hours for crossing. Reddit

There is no admission fee for viewing the East Huntington Bridge from public areas. Access to the bridge itself is free. Reddit

Walking across the East Huntington Bridge is not recommended and is considered dangerous due to the lack of pedestrian space. It is designed for vehicular traffic only. Reddit

Standard traffic laws apply. Oversized vehicles may have restrictions, but for typical passenger vehicles, there are no special restrictions beyond normal road usage. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography & Views

Great photo opportunities exist from overlooks near the Huntington Museum of Art, offering panoramic views of the city and the bridge. You can also find vantage points along the Ohio River banks on both the West Virginia and Ohio sides. Reddit

While the bridge itself doesn't have extensive lighting, the surrounding city lights can create a nice backdrop for night photography. Some reviewers have noted its potential for better lighting. Reddit

The fan arrangement of the 62 stay cables stemming from the single central pylon is a key visual element. Capturing this from a slightly elevated position, like the suggested overlooks, can highlight the bridge's unique structure. Reddit

Daylight hours offer the clearest views of the bridge's architecture and its setting over the Ohio River. Sunrise and sunset can provide dramatic lighting, but be mindful of traffic. Reddit

While you can drive across it, getting very close for detailed photography on foot is difficult and unsafe due to the lack of pedestrian pathways. Viewing from a distance is the safest and most practical approach. Reddit

🎫 💡 History & Engineering

The East Huntington Bridge was built as a demonstration project by the Federal Highway Administration to showcase cable-stayed bridge technology, which was more common in Europe at the time. It was the first concrete cable-stayed bridge in West Virginia and the third in the U.S. Reddit

The bridge is officially named the Frank Gatski Memorial Bridge in honor of Frank 'Gunner' Gatski, a legendary football player from nearby Marshall University who went on to a Hall of Fame career with the Cleveland Browns. Reddit

It was one of the earliest cable-stayed bridges in the United States, featuring a single central pylon and 62 stay cables in a fan arrangement. It also incorporates hydraulic dampers to manage cable vibration. Reddit

Construction of the East Huntington Bridge took place in the early 1980s, with the technology being a novel approach for bridge building in the United States during that period. Reddit

Its construction proved the viability and effectiveness of cable-stayed bridge technology in the U.S., paving the way for many subsequent similar structures across the country. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

For families, the East Huntington Bridge offers a chance to discuss engineering and impressive structures. While walking on the bridge is not an option, finding a safe overlook point, perhaps near the Huntington Museum of Art, can provide a great spot for kids to see a large bridge up close. Pack some snacks and make it a brief, educational stop during a road trip. Reddit

Focus on the visual aspect – how the cables hold up the road, or the sheer size of the structure. It’s a good opportunity to talk about how bridges connect places and people, making it a tangible lesson in geography and engineering. Remember to prioritize safety and choose viewing spots away from busy traffic. Reddit

🚗 Road Trippers & Commuters

The East Huntington Bridge is a vital artery for those traveling between West Virginia and Ohio. As a toll-free crossing, it offers a convenient and economical way to traverse the Ohio River. For road trippers, it's a functional part of the journey, and for those living locally, it's a daily connection. Reddit

While the bridge itself is designed for efficient transit, consider taking a slight detour to one of the nearby overlooks for a moment of appreciation. The Frank Gatski Memorial Bridge is an impressive piece of engineering, and a quick stop can add a memorable visual to your drive. Be mindful of traffic, especially during peak commuting hours, to ensure a smooth passage. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Engineering Marvel: A Pioneering Design

The East Huntington Bridge, officially the Frank Gatski Memorial Bridge, stands as a testament to innovative engineering, particularly its pioneering use of cable-stayed technology in the United States. Constructed in the early 1980s, it was the first of its kind in West Virginia and only the third concrete cable-stayed bridge in the nation. This design, characterized by a single central pylon from which 62 stay cables fan out to support the deck, was a significant departure from more traditional bridge structures prevalent at the time. The bridge's design also incorporates hydraulic dampers to mitigate cable vibration, a crucial feature for long-span structures. Reddit

This bridge served as a crucial demonstration project for the Federal Highway Administration, showcasing the potential and efficiency of cable-stayed designs, which were already gaining traction in Europe. Its successful implementation paved the way for numerous other cable-stayed bridges built across the U.S. in subsequent years, including famous examples like the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. The main span stretches an impressive 900 feet, with the entire structure measuring 900 feet in length and featuring a 40-foot wide deck. Reddit

While its primary function is vehicular transport, the bridge's elegant form and innovative construction make it a point of interest for those fascinated by civil engineering. Its visual impact, especially when viewed from a distance, highlights the graceful lines and structural integrity that define modern bridge architecture. Reddit

Beyond the Crossing: Viewing and Appreciation

While the East Huntington Bridge is a functional crossing, appreciating its architectural significance requires finding the right vantage points. Direct pedestrian access is extremely limited and considered unsafe, making it a bridge best admired from afar. Travelers looking for the most rewarding views often seek out overlooks that provide a clear line of sight to the entire span and its unique cable-stayed design. Reddit

One highly recommended spot for photography and scenic appreciation is near the Huntington Museum of Art. From this elevated position, visitors can capture sweeping vistas of the Ohio River and the bridge against the city skyline. This area offers a perspective that truly showcases the bridge's scale and its integration into the landscape. Reddit

Other potential viewing locations include public access points along the Ohio River banks on both the West Virginia and Ohio sides. While specific designated viewing platforms are not widely publicized, exploring these riverfront areas can yield excellent photographic opportunities. It's worth noting that some visitors have commented on the bridge's potential for enhanced visual appeal with improved lighting, suggesting that while it's impressive by day, its nighttime presence could be further amplified. Reddit

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