'Scariest' bridge finally reopens for motorists after £8m renovation

'Scariest' bridge finally reopens for motorists after £8m renovationRainbow Bridge, a cantilever bridge over Neches River in southeast Texas between Port Arthur and Bridge City, has reopened after major maintenance works costing more than £8mCommentsNewsEthan Blackshaw Deputy Publishing Lead and Chris Samuel08:10, 19 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesRainbow Bridge is a cantilever bridge spanning the Neches River in southeast Texas(Image: WikiCommons)A bridge described as the "scariest" has finally reopened after maintenance works costing more than £8m.‌Rainbow Bridge is a cantilever bridge spanning the Neches River in southeast Texas, situated between Port Arthur and Bridge City, and has been generating considerable attention online.‌The enormous piece of transport infrastructure is renowned for its steep incline, which appears particularly striking from certain angles. It features an unusually high arch due to concerns over how the structure might interfere with shipping in the area. To avoid any potential complications, it was designed with a vertical clearance of 177ft.‌Combined with narrow lanes, it makes for a dramatic drive as motorists cross over the water between the Jefferson and Orange counties. Since 1997, it has operated as a one-way westbound traffic route only.View 2 ImagesThe Rainbow Bridge in southeast Texas(Image: Shutterstock/Tverdokhlib)READ MORE: Jet2 flight from UK to Tenerife in mid-air emergency as baby falls ill on boardREAD MORE: Doctor sacked for sexually assaulting female colleagues applies to work againThe bridge was shut in March last year for major maintenance works, with a $10.9m (around £8.03m) contract awarded to Florida-based firm Southern Road and Bridge, reports the Express.‌The extensive structural work included a full-depth concrete deck restoration, repairs to steel railing, as well as replacing 1,200 rivets and four steel member pins, 12 News Now reported.It meant motorists were forced to alter their routes and filter...