The prominent Ohio River Bridge that collapsed was the Silver Bridge, which failed in 1967.
The Silver Bridge Collapse
On December 15, 1967, the Silver Bridge, a major Ohio River crossing, tragically collapsed during rush hour. This catastrophic event led to significant loss of life and prompted a nationwide review of bridge design and safety standards.
Details of the Silver Bridge
The Silver Bridge connected Point Pleasant, West Virginia, and Gallipolis, Ohio, spanning the Ohio River. It was a crucial part of U.S. Route 35 and served as a vital transportation link for the region.
Here are some key facts about the Silver Bridge:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Silver Bridge |
| Designer | J. E. Greiner Company |
| Constructed By | American Bridge Company |
| Opened | May 30, 1928 |
| Collapsed | December 15, 1967 |
Impact of the Collapse
The collapse of the Silver Bridge was a pivotal moment in American infrastructure history. The subsequent investigation determined that the cause of the collapse was a fatal flaw in one of the bridge's eyebar chains, specifically a small crack due to stress corrosion cracking, which led to a rapid chain reaction failure.
This event highlighted critical issues in bridge inspection, maintenance, and material science, leading to:
- The implementation of new federal bridge inspection standards.
- Increased focus on the use of fracture-critical designs.
- Advances in non-destructive testing methods for structural integrity.
The Silver Bridge disaster served as a somber lesson, emphasizing the importance of rigorous engineering, regular inspections, and material science in ensuring the safety of vital public infrastructure.
