Traffic Restored on Silver Bridge After Multi-Vehicle Accident
POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. – Traffic is flowing again on the Silver Bridge after a major accident involving between eight and ten vehicles brought eastbound lanes to a standstill Sunday evening. The incident occurred on the West Virginia side of the bridge, a vital crossing over the Ohio River connecting Point Pleasant, West Virginia, and Gallipolis, Ohio.
Mason County, West Virginia dispatchers initially reported the traffic standstill, with delays stretching for miles in both directions. The accident happened just before 7:00 p.m. On , according to reports.
The cause of the multi-vehicle collision was determined to be icy conditions, according to Mason County Emergency Management Director Jeremy Bryant. One person was transported to a hospital for treatment, though the extent of their injuries remains unknown.
A significant emergency response was mounted, with crews from multiple agencies converging on the scene. The Point Pleasant Fire Department, Mason County Sheriff’s Office, West Virginia State Police, Gallia County EMS, and Mason County EMS all participated in the response and cleanup efforts.
The Silver Bridge has a complex history. Originally constructed in 1928, it was known for its distinctive silver-colored aluminum paint. The bridge was officially named the Point Pleasant Bridge, but became popularly known as the Silver Bridge. It’s a name that carries weight in the region, as the original Silver Bridge tragically collapsed on , resulting in 46 fatalities, with two individuals never recovered.
The collapse of the original Silver Bridge prompted extensive investigation, ultimately pointing to the failure of an eyebar in one of the suspension chains. The investigation revealed a critical flaw – a mere 0.1 inches deep – that initiated a fracture leading to the catastrophic collapse.
The current structure, officially named the Silver Memorial Bridge, replaced the original bridge. On , the Silver Memorial Bridge was temporarily shut down after a semi-truck lost control and rolled over the median wall, landing in the southbound lane. No other vehicles were involved in that incident, and no injuries were reported.
While the recent accident caused significant disruption, authorities were able to reopen all lanes of traffic by , according to an update from WSAZ. Drivers who were caught in the resulting traffic jam described a frustrating wait, with some resorting to entertainment like streaming services to pass the time.
“My fuel light came on, so I’ve kind of just been watching Netflix, listening to music, and being on TikTok,” said Holly Maynard, who was stuck in traffic for hours while returning home from work in Huntington. Zackary Workman, another driver delayed by the accident, recounted being stopped by law enforcement while en route to work.
Authorities have not released further details regarding the cause of the initial accident or the condition of the individual transported to the hospital. Updates will be provided as they become available.