West Virginia's 1906 Coal Railroad Bridges Get $11.8M Hiker Trail Makeover

Five railroad bridges built in 1906 to transport coal through West Virginia's New River Gorge are being restored for public recreational use. An $11.8 million project will repair the historic Rend Trail, replace deteriorating wooden bridge structures, and enhance safety and accessibility. The work will also reconnect the 3.2-mile trail with surrounding community routes. Led by the National Park Service, the project is expected to take approximately 16 months, with the full trail set to reopen by next fall.