Norfolk and Southern Bridge
The Kanawha Canal Draw Bridge was built in 1930 by the Virginia Bridge and Iron Company to carry the Norfolk and Western Railroad's West Point line over the James River and Kanawha Canal. This type of bridge is known as a single-leaf bascule bridge. The bridge lifts its hinged single span using a large counter weight. Sketches for bascule bridges have been found among notes made by Leonardo da Vinci in 1500. Although the bridge has not been raised in years, it is still in use carrying Norfolk Southern railroad traffic across the canal.
Marker can be reached from the intersection of Dock Street and Pear Street.
Courtesy hmdb.org
