US Bridges

County Route 26 over West Fork of Pond Fork

PoorPosted for load

Boone County, West Virginia · 1.44 MI S of CR 26/1 · Structure no. 00000000003A067

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
62 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
450
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Route 26 over West Fork of Pond Fork is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Route 26 over West Fork of Pond Fork in Boone County, West Virginia. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 450 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 594 by 2042. The structure is 62 ft (19 m) long and 21 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Route 26
CrossesWest Fork of Pond Fork
Location1.44 MI S of CR 26/1
RouteCounty Highway 26
CountyBoone County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.92165, -81.6118
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating52 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length62 ft (19 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.7 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.3 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic450 (2022)
Projected traffic594 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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$700,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Route 26 over West Fork of Pond Fork built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Route 26 over West Fork of Pond Fork in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in March 2024.

How much traffic does County Route 26 over West Fork of Pond Fork carry?

About 450 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is County Route 26 over West Fork of Pond Fork?

The structure is 62 ft (19 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.7 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns County Route 26 over West Fork of Pond Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.