‘Scariest’ bridge finally reopens after £8.02million revamp | US | News

The massive bridge often described as the “scariest” in the southern US state of Texas has finally reopened. The Rainbow Bridge is a cantilever bridge located over the Neches River in southeast Texas, between Port Arthur and Bridge City, that has received a lot of attention on the Internet.

The huge piece of transport infrastructure is known for its steep slope, which looks particularly striking from some angles. It usually has a high arch due to concerns about how the structure might disrupt shipping in the area. It was designed with a vertical clearance of 177 ft to avoid potential problems.

Combined with the narrow lanes, it makes for a dramatic drive as you pass over the water between Jefferson and Orange counties.

As of 1997, it has been a one-way westbound traffic route.

The bridge was closed for major maintenance work in March last year and a $10.9 million (about £8.03 million) contract was awarded to Florida-based firm Southern Road and Bridge.

The extensive structural work included full-depth concrete slab restoration, steel railing repairs, as well as the replacement of 1,200 rivets and four steel member pins, 12 News Now reported.

This means drivers have had to change routes and cross the nearby Veterans Memorial Bridge, which normally only goes eastbound but has been temporarily adapted to accommodate the changed traffic pattern.

The Texas Department of Transportation confirmed in a March 26 post to

It reopened to traffic on Saturday, April 11, in a major support for drivers.

Construction of the Rainbow Bridge began in 1936 and took two years.