US Bridges

Wv 3 over Big Coal River

Fair

Boone County, West Virginia · 0.76 MI E of CR 24 · Structure no. 00000000003A021

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
223 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,705
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wv 3 over Big Coal River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Wv 3 over Big Coal River in Boone County, West Virginia. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 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 2,705 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,840 by 2042. The structure is 223 ft (67.9 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.7 mi (80 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWv 3
CrossesBig Coal River
Location0.76 MI E of CR 24
RouteState Highway 300
CountyBoone County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.98599, -81.54132
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating61.9 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length223 ft (67.9 m)
Longest span88 ft (26.8 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,705 (2022)
Projected traffic2,840 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed49.7 mi (80 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$400,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Wv 3 over Big Coal River built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is Wv 3 over Big 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Wv 3 over Big Coal River carry?

About 2,705 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Wv 3 over Big Coal River?

The structure is 223 ft (67.9 m) long with a longest span of 88 ft (26.8 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Wv 3 over Big Coal River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.