News Item #412

A proposal to build a bridge near the 1,600-foot deep gorge in Breaks Interstate Park has stirred up opposition. The proposed bridge would allow access into the Kentucky side of the park; however, the bridge which would connect the park to KY 80 would be visible from overlooks over the gorge in the park. Currently all of the development in the park has been on the Virginia side because there is no road access to the Kentucky side of the park. The primary feature of the park is a 5-mile long gorge through which the Russell Fork of the Big Sandy River flows. The gorge is touted as being the deepest canyon east of the Mississippi. Residents fear that the bridge would open the park to commercialization.

More information: Associated Press: Bridge proposal stirs opposition; Foes Say Breaks No Place for Span (July 15, 2003)