1901 BUILT BY A LOCAL PARTNERSHIP
1932 ACCEPTED INTO STATE ROAD SYSTEM
1998 CLOSED TO TRAFFIC
2001-2003 SCHEDULED FOR DEMOLITION
2003 GRANTED A “LAST CHANCE” DEMOLITION REPRIEVE BY VIRGINIA SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION
2005 REOPENED TO THE PUBLIC

Resource for outdoor recreation and nature tourism
• A key link for a network of walking, bicycling, and horseback riding trails
• Nominated as a stop on the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail
• Accessible by canoe from boat landing below bridge
• Upstream from Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation’s conservation area

Easily adapted for access
• A unique 10,000 sq. ft. platform, high above a State Scenic River, in a near wilderness setting
• An opportunity for individuals with limited mobility to enjoy birding and wildlife watching on the Staunton Scenic River

Heritage tourism attraction
• Eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
• Within six miles of Red Hill, Patrick Henry’s last home
• Upstream from Staunton River Battlefield State Park
• Near Mulberry Hill Plantation, new addition to state parks system
• Potential open air exhibit of engineering and transportation history

Asset for economic development
• Tourism is proven economic development strategy for rural areas
• Nature tourism and heritage tourism are fast growing travel industry sectors, nationwide and in Virginia
• Southside Virginia is within one day’s drive of more than 50% of nation’s population