US Bridges

County Route 7 over Steer Creek

PoorPosted for load

Calhoun County, West Virginia · 0.51 Mile East of CR 7/5 · Structure no. 00000000007A017

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1981
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
151 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
250
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Route 7 over Steer Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying County Route 7 over Steer Creek in Calhoun County, West Virginia. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1981, so it is 95 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 3 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 250 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 380 by 2042. The structure is 151 ft (46.1 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.8 mi (48 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Route 7
CrossesSteer Creek
Location0.51 Mile East of CR 7/5
RouteCounty Highway 7
CountyCalhoun County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.87509, -81.03991
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Superstructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
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 inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating5 US tons
Inventory rating3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckClosed grating
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length151 ft (46.1 m)
Longest span144 ft (43.9 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.2 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck14 ft (4.3 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic250 (2022)
Projected traffic380 by 2042
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.8 mi (48 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Route 7 over Steer Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1981.

What condition is County Route 7 over Steer 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does County Route 7 over Steer Creek carry?

About 250 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is County Route 7 over Steer Creek?

The structure is 151 ft (46.1 m) long with a longest span of 144 ft (43.9 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns County Route 7 over Steer Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.