This is the Fort Henry Bridge in Wheeling, West Virginia, carrying westbound traffic on I-70 across the Ohio River.
Looking at this photo, I thought the bridge was designed to indicate traffic flow, but it wasn't - even though the overhead bracing pattern is identical going eastbound and points forward into downtown Wheeling. This visual pattern is called a K-truss lateral system, a structural engineering choice rather than a directional guide.
OK, so my hypothesis was wrong. What I interpreted as a visual cue for drivers was actually a structural feature designed to help the bridge withstand lateral forces.What looks intentional from a driver's perspective is totally different from its engineering purpose. (But I think my idea is valid, too).
An obvious assumption. I wonder how many people look up there?
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