US Bridges

Wv 38 over Laurel Creek

Fair

Barbour County, West Virginia · 0.08 MI W of CO 38/9 · Structure no. 00000000001A049

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
190 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,900
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wv 38 over Laurel Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Wv 38 over Laurel Creek in Barbour County, West Virginia. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 years old, older than the West Virginia average of 44.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 1,900 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,995 by 2038. The structure is 190 ft (58 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWv 38
CrossesLaurel Creek
Location0.08 MI W of CO 38/9
RouteState Highway 3800
CountyBarbour County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates39.15541, -79.96802
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length190 ft (58 m)
Longest span72 ft (21.9 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,900 (2018)
Projected traffic1,995 by 2038
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.2 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Wv 38 over Laurel Creek built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is Wv 38 over Laurel Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does Wv 38 over Laurel Creek carry?

About 1,900 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Wv 38 over Laurel Creek?

The structure is 190 ft (58 m) long with a longest span of 72 ft (21.9 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Wv 38 over Laurel Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.