Ohio River Bridge Becomes Toll-Free

Friday, June 15, 1951

On this date, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that the Chester Bridge officially became toll-free.

Ceremonies Held At East Liverpool

East Liverpool, O., June 15 (Special) - The state-owned Ohio River Bridge between here and Chester, W.Va., became toll-free today.

Ohio Atty. Gen. C. William O'Neill and William Ansel Jr., West Virginia state treasurer, spoke at ceremonies marking the end of tolls on the 55-year-old span.

Operated by Commision

The Bridge has been operated by the Ohio Bridge Commission since 1938. An East Liverpool delegation, headed by Chamber of Commerce President Robert Hays, had accused the commission of deliberately holding up freeing the bridge in order to keep the commission in business.

Route 30, the Lincoln Highway crosses the structure. Many Pittsburgh residents use the bridge.

The commission announced it has some $80,000 more than necessary to pay off all obligations on the East Liverpool bridge.