US Bridges

County Route 17 over Laurel Creek

Fair

Braxton County, West Virginia · 3.35 MI E of CO Rt 17/8 · Structure no. 00000000004A055

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
243 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
200
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Route 17 over Laurel Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Route 17 over Laurel Creek in Braxton County, West Virginia. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 200 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 285 by 2038. The structure is 243 ft (74.2 m) long and 28 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Route 17
CrossesLaurel Creek
Location3.35 MI E of CO Rt 17/8
RouteCounty Highway 1700
CountyBraxton County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.61288, -80.56599
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 15
Structure length243 ft (74.2 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.7 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic200 (2018)
Projected traffic285 by 2038
Trucks6%
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 proposedDeck rehabilitation with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$394,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Route 17 over Laurel Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Route 17 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does County Route 17 over Laurel Creek carry?

About 200 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is County Route 17 over Laurel Creek?

The structure is 243 ft (74.2 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.7 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns County Route 17 over Laurel Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.