US Bridges

Wv 4 over Big Otter Creek

PoorPosted for load

Clay County, West Virginia · 0.27 MI North of CR 46 · Structure no. 00000000008A010

Built
1929
96 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
153 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
350
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wv 4 over Big Otter Creek is a concrete arch - deck carrying Wv 4 over Big Otter Creek in Clay County, West Virginia. It was built in 1929, so it is 96 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 350 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 574 by 2042. The structure is 153 ft (46.5 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWv 4
CrossesBig Otter Creek
Location0.27 MI North of CR 46
RouteState Highway 4
CountyClay County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.53372, -81.03019
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
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 inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54 US tons
Inventory rating20.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length153 ft (46.5 m)
Longest span69 ft (21 m)
Deck width23 ft (6.9 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic350 (2022)
Projected traffic574 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.6 million (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Wv 4 over Big Otter Creek built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025.

What condition is Wv 4 over Big Otter 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Wv 4 over Big Otter Creek carry?

About 350 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Wv 4 over Big Otter Creek?

The structure is 153 ft (46.5 m) long with a longest span of 69 ft (21 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns Wv 4 over Big Otter Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.