US Bridges

West Virginia 88 over Buffalo Creek

Fair

Brooke County, West Virginia · 0.39 Mi. South JCT WV67 · Structure no. 00000000005A050

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
359 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
750
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

West Virginia 88 over Buffalo Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying West Virginia 88 over Buffalo Creek in Brooke County, West Virginia. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 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 750 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,013 by 2040. The structure is 359 ft (109.3 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWest Virginia 88
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location0.39 Mi. South JCT WV67
RouteState Highway 88
CountyBrooke County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates40.20025, -80.57241
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating83 US tons
Inventory rating50 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length359 ft (109.3 m)
Longest span132 ft (40.2 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.4 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic750 (2020)
Projected traffic1,013 by 2040
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$264,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was West Virginia 88 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is West Virginia 88 over Buffalo 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does West Virginia 88 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 750 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is West Virginia 88 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 359 ft (109.3 m) long with a longest span of 132 ft (40.2 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns West Virginia 88 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.