US Bridges

County Route 40 over Strange Creek

PoorPosted for load

Braxton County, West Virginia · 0.06 MI W of CO Rt 40/2 · Structure no. 00000000004A097

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
81 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
450
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Route 40 over Strange Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Route 40 over Strange Creek in Braxton County, West Virginia. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 472 by 2038. The structure is 81 ft (24.7 m) long and 13 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesCounty Route 40
CrossesStrange Creek
Location0.06 MI W of CO Rt 40/2
RouteCounty Highway 4000
CountyBraxton County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.56329, -80.89604
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating34 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length81 ft (24.7 m)
Longest span39 ft (12 m)
Deck width13 ft (4.1 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic450 (2018)
Projected traffic472 by 2038
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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$650,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Route 40 over Strange Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Route 40 over Strange Creek 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does County Route 40 over Strange Creek carry?

About 450 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is County Route 40 over Strange Creek?

The structure is 81 ft (24.7 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (12 m) and a deck 13 ft wide.

Who owns County Route 40 over Strange Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.