The East River Mountain Tunnel carries I-77 through East River Mountain and connects the states of Virginia and West Virginia. It is over 5400 feet in length, making it the 7th longest twin highway tunnel in the United States.The ribbon cutting ceremony was held on December 20,1974.It was without a doubt, a monumental project that changed the lives of the people of Bland County forever. No longer would they have to follow the twists and turns of Highway 52 as it traced the route of the old Raleigh Grayson Turnpike in climbing over East River Mountain.

Four tunnels were bored simultaneously from opposite sides of the mountain and had to meet each other in the middle of the rock solid mountain. Years of work, millions of dollars, and blood, sweat, and tears had been expended. This was it. The breakthrough was one of those moments when History took a pause and reflected.West Virginia and Virginia meeting in the middle of the mountain wasn't quite the same as the Red Army meeting American soldiers at the Elbe, but almost.

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