West Virginia’s 1906 coal bridges are being rebuilt for hikers for $11.8m

 More than a century after five railroad bridges were built in 1906 to carry coal through West Virginia’s New River Gorge, an $11.8 million project is now restoring them for public use. The work will repair the historic Rend Trail, replace ageing wooden bridge structures, improve safety and accessibility, and reconnect the 3.2-mile trail with nearby community routes. The National Park Service expects the project to take about 16 months, with the full trail expected to reopen next fall. More than a century after five railroad bridges were built in 1906 to carry coal through West Virginia’s New River Gorge, an $11.8 million project is now restoring them for public use. The work will repair the historic Rend Trail, replace ageing wooden bridge structures, improve safety and accessibility, and reconnect the 3.2-mile trail with nearby community routes. The National Park Service expects the project to take about 16 months, with the full trail expected to reopen next fall.