Built in 1828, the Blaine Bridge is 345 feet long and rises at a 6.3 percent incline from east to west, with a 500 foot climb to the top of the hill. Its 25 foot, 35 foot, and 45 foot arches were originally earthen filled, and its "S" shape design provides structural stability over the strong currents of Wheeling Creek. The bridge was built as a toll bridge, with toll houses at the east and west ends where caretakers and their families lived, and a long wooden pole stretched across the road to stop traffic. Tolls were based on the wear and tear a vehicle would do to the road, with set charges for sheep, hogs, cattle, riders on horseback, chaises and horses, and vehicles with narrow tires, while vehicles with tires over six inches wide were free because they improved the road base, and there was no toll for trips to the store, church, school children, mail, mill workers, military troops, and military transport. The bridge was repaired only twice, in 1929 and 2005; after its largest arch collapsed in 1998, it faced demolition, was rescued in 1999, and repairs were finally completed in 2005. The opening of the Blaine Viaduct in 1933 relieved it of heavy traffic, and it was closed to all vehicles in 1994.
