The New River Gorge Bridge carries U.S. Route 19 across the New River Gorge near Fayetteville, West Virginia, linking Corridor L of the Appalachian Development Highway System and greatly improving access through a region long hindered by difficult mountain travel and the decline of coal towns. Built from 1974 to 1977, the steel arch span quickly gained worldwide recognition for its height and record-setting length, while reducing a gorge crossing from about 45 minutes to roughly 45 seconds. It became both a vital highway and a state symbol, later earning recognition for its engineering importance and serving as the focal point of Bridge Day and Bridge Walk tours.