Information
Landmark: Brigham Young University Museum of Art (BYU MOA)City: Provo
Country: USA Utah
Continent: North America
Brigham Young University Museum of Art (BYU MOA), Provo, USA Utah, North America
This is a pedestrian bridge spanning the Monongahela River in Morgantown, West Virginia. It connects the downtown area with the West Virginia University Evansdale Campus.
Visual Characteristics
The bridge is a steel truss structure with a dark gray painted finish. It features a single, wide deck designed for pedestrian and bicycle traffic. The deck is approximately 10 meters wide and the total length of the bridge is 213 meters. The main span over the river is 152 meters long.
Location & Access Logistics
The bridge is located approximately 1.5 kilometers east of the Morgantown city center. Access points are available on both the west bank (near the Morgantown Farmers Market) and the east bank (adjacent to the Evansdale Campus). Parking is available in designated city lots downtown and on the university campus. Public transport options include the PRT (Personal Rapid Transit) system with stations near both ends of the bridge, and various Monongalia County Transit Authority (MCTA) bus routes serving the downtown area.
Historical & Ecological Origin
Construction of the bridge began in 2005 and was completed in 2008. It was designed by Michael Baker Jr., Inc. and built by Trumbull Corporation. The bridge was conceived to improve connectivity between the university and the city, and to provide a safe crossing for pedestrians and cyclists over the busy river.
Key Highlights & Activities
Pedestrian and bicycle crossing. Observation points along the bridge offer views of the Monongahela River and the surrounding cityscape. The bridge is accessible at all hours.
Infrastructure & Amenities
The bridge deck is paved and includes integrated lighting for nighttime use. There are no dedicated restrooms or food vendors directly on the bridge. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong along the entire span.
Best Time to Visit
For photography, early morning or late afternoon provides optimal lighting conditions for capturing the bridge and river. The bridge is accessible year-round, but spring and fall offer moderate temperatures for walking and cycling.
Facts & Legends
The bridge is officially named the "Morgantown Pedestrian Bridge." A local anecdote suggests that on clear nights, the reflection of the bridge lights on the river's surface creates an illusion of a second, inverted bridge.
Nearby Landmarks
- Morgantown Farmers Market (0.2km West)
- West Virginia University Downtown Campus (1.0km West)
- Morgantown History Museum (1.3km West)
- Monongalia Arts Center (1.4km West)
- Coopers Rock State Forest (15km Southeast - requires vehicle access)