Elliston, Virginia: Oldest Metal Bridge in Virginia
Built in 1878, in use until 1971. Now a pedestrian-only novelty at a freeway rest area.
Ironto Safety Rest Area
- Address:
- I-81 N., Elliston, VA
- Directions:
- Ironto Safety Rest Area. The bridge is the centerpiece of the rest area on northbound-only I-81 between milepost 128 and 129, a few miles south of Roanoke.
- Admission:
- Free
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Visitor Tips and News About Oldest Metal Bridge in Virginia
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The bridge has been restored and repainted.
[Karen Carrara, 11/08/2020]
The bridge has been "refreshed." Stop, walk across; you'd be amazed at how many people do not walk across (or under) it. The bridge is at a great rest area on I-81, after coming through the pass from the New River Valley. There is nothing else around except the overpriced gas stations at the Ironto exit (keep going to Salem to get anything cheaper). If any of the ladies from the rest stop are outside on their break, talk to them, they usually have some great stories and take their lunch (in good weather) out on the bridge!
[Jobu, 11/08/2020]They are working on the bridge, so there is no access at this time. Guessing they want to make it safe and sturdy.
[Marcee, 08/28/2017]
Great picnic stop! My kids (age 6) loved the idea that cars once drove on the bridge! Easily accessed at the rest stop. And close to Dixie Caverns, which was also a great stop.
[Hope, 07/05/2016]
This is the "Oldest Metal Bridge in Virginia," according to its accompanying sign. It was built in 1878 and was in use until 1971, when it was moved to a freeway rest area as a pedestrian-only novelty.
[Greg Pfaff, 10/13/2013]Nearby Offbeat Places
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The bridge, built in 1878, was in use until 1971. Repairs, underway back in 2017, have been completed.