US Bridges

Wv 3 over Little Coal River

Fair

Boone County, West Virginia · 0.02 MI E of Delta 13 · Structure no. 00000000003A012

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
260 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,500
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wv 3 over Little Coal River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Wv 3 over Little Coal River in Boone County, West Virginia. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 years old, younger 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 2,500 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,625 by 2040. The structure is 260 ft (79.3 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.8 mi (48 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWv 3
CrossesLittle Coal River
Location0.02 MI E of Delta 13
RouteState Highway 300
CountyBoone County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.15453, -81.85136
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating90.9 US tons
Inventory rating55 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length260 ft (79.3 m)
Longest span99 ft (30.2 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,500 (2020)
Projected traffic2,625 by 2040
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.8 mi (48 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 proposedDeck rehabilitation with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$300,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Wv 3 over Little Coal River built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is Wv 3 over Little Coal River 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 3 over Little Coal River carry?

About 2,500 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Wv 3 over Little Coal River?

The structure is 260 ft (79.3 m) long with a longest span of 99 ft (30.2 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Wv 3 over Little Coal River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.