Wellsburg Bridge is a significant project for Flatiron and the state of West Virginia. Awarded in 2016, the $131 million Wellsburg Bridge is Flatiron’s first project in the state and West Virginia’s first alternative delivery project.

Separated by the Ohio River, residents in the towns of Brilliant, Ohio and Wellsburg, West Virginia must travel eight miles north or thirteen miles south to the nearest river-crossing points. In addition, because of traffic volume projections and the need for a safe and reliable span for commerce and emergency responders, the West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) sought proposals to build a new bridge that would improve transportation infrastructure as well as enhance regional business growth.

Flatiron submitted qualifications in March 2016 and WVDOT awarded Flatiron the contract later that year. Flatiron also provided a unique alternative delivery method. Construction began in April 2018.

As part of the alternative delivery method, Flatiron proposed building a tied-arch bridge main span that would be constructed offsite, upriver and delivered by barge to the project site for installation. Flatiron has been working with project partners, including RS&H, TRC Engineers, and COWI North America on the project.

When completed, the bridge will connect Route 2 in West Virginia, near Wellsburg, to Route 7 in Brilliant, Ohio, providing a key and reliable artery for northern West Virginia and eastern Ohio communities. Project financing was made possible through a public-private partnership (PPP), involving Flatiron, WVDOT, the Ohio Department of Transportation, as well as federal highway funds.

West Virginia’s first alternative delivery project and Flatiron’s first project in the state

Significantly reduced project timetable estimates through design-build approach

Construct tied-arch bridge main span offsite and transport it by barge to the project site for installation

Bridge will span the Ohio River and serve as the primary connection between the communities of Wellsburg, West Virginia and Brilliant, Ohio