US Bridges

County Route 17/4 over Wolf Creek

PoorPosted for load

Braxton County, West Virginia · 1.50 MI S of CO 17 · Structure no. 00000000004A136

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Route 17/4 over Wolf Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Route 17/4 over Wolf Creek in Braxton 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 10 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 14 by 2038. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 14 ft wide.

CarriesCounty Route 17/4
CrossesWolf Creek
Location1.50 MI S of CO 17
RouteCounty Highway 1704
Coordinates38.61227, -80.66835
Functional classRural Local

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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating34.9 US tons
Inventory rating20.9 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.9 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2018)
Projected traffic14 by 2038
Trucks6%
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$380,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Route 17/4 over Wolf Creek built?

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

What condition is County Route 17/4 over Wolf 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does County Route 17/4 over Wolf Creek carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is County Route 17/4 over Wolf Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.9 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns County Route 17/4 over Wolf Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.