FAYETTE COUNTY, WV (SWVO) – The National Park Service has announced several temporary closures and access restrictions around the New River Gorge Bridge to ensure public safety during this year’s Bridge Day event, scheduled for Saturday, October 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The annual event is organized by the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce and draws thousands of visitors to the area.
Road Closures and Travel Information
U.S. Route 19 will close to all traffic at 7 a.m. Saturday and remain closed until 5 p.m.
Northbound detour: U.S. Route 60 to State Route 16, which returns to Fayetteville (approximately 35–45 minutes).
Southbound detour: State Route 16 to U.S. Route 60.
Motorists should plan accordingly and expect delays due to increased traffic throughout the region.
Sightseer and Parking Restrictions
On Friday, October 17, the Canyon Rim Visitor Center parking lot and grounds will close at 5:30 p.m.
Fayette Station Road (Route 82) at the intersection with Lansing Loop Road will close at 6 p.m. Friday and reopen sometime after 5 p.m. Saturday.
All private vehicles must be removed from these areas before the closures take effect.
Boater Access and Parking
Beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, Fayette Station Road will be closed to all vehicles. Any vehicles parked in the area after that time will be towed.
On Saturday, during Bridge Day, private vehicles will not be permitted to drive to Fayette Station or Teays Landing. Access will be exit-only.
Boaters who have arranged shuttle services in advance will need to exit Fayette Station Road and return to U.S. Route 19 using Burma Road.
These restrictions are in place to ensure public safety and allow for coordinated emergency response during the event.
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Bridge Day Schedule of Events
• 5:30 a.m. – Vendors arrive at designated staging lots
• 7:00 a.m. – U.S. Route 19 closes; detour begins
• 7:00–8:00 a.m. – Active SWV’s Bridge Day 5K racers arrive
• 8:15 a.m. – Buses begin transporting 5K racers
• 8:30 a.m. – Event shuttles begin service
• 8:45 a.m. – Bridge Day 5K Race begins
• 9:00 a.m. – Bridge Day officially begins; “Into the Gorge” bus rides start (pre-sold tickets only)
• 11:00 a.m. – Bridge Day Car Show at Starlite Drive-In
• 1:30 p.m. – Last “Into the Gorge” bus departs
• 3:00 p.m. – Bridge Day ends; Chili Cookoff begins in downtown Fayetteville
• 5:00 p.m. – U.S. Route 19 reopens; detour ends
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Festival Rules and Restrictions
• No dogs, coolers, or folding chairs
• No bicycles, skates, skateboards, or wagons
• No weapons, fireworks, illegal drugs, or alcohol
• No drones or quadcopters
• Prohibited bags: backpacks, tote bags, large purses, camera bags, binocular cases
• Approved bags: clear backpacks or totes, fanny packs, and purses smaller than 5”x7” (subject to search)
Fold-up strollers are allowed but will be searched. The event will be held rain or shine.
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Shuttle Information
Shuttles to the bridge cost $5 per person (cash only) and are available at six pickup locations:
North side: Midland Trail High School, Lighthouse Worship Center
South side: Fayetteville PK8, Fayette County Courthouse, Wal-Mart, and Oak Hill High School
Attendees should note which shuttle they ride to ensure they return on the correct one.
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Additional Information
Bridge Day is always held on the third Saturday in October and is free to attend. Over 160 vendors will be on-site offering food, crafts, and official Bridge Day merchandise.
Visitors can pick up “Into the Gorge” tickets at official Bridge Day tents on either end of the bridge beginning at 9 a.m. Shuttles for the gorge will operate from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., returning guests until approximately 3:30 p.m.
No vehicle passes are available for public use across the bridge during the event.
For more details, including shuttle maps and ticket updates, visit the official Bridge Day website or follow event organizers on social media.
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