US Bridges

County Route 15/3 over Hickory Fork of Buffalo

Poor

Clay County, West Virginia · 0.52 Mile East of CR 15 · Structure no. 00000000008A112

Built
2003
22 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Route 15/3 over Hickory Fork of Buffalo is a steel culvert carrying County Route 15/3 over Hickory Fork of Buffalo in Clay County, West Virginia. It was built in 2003, so it is 22 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 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.

It carries about 10 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 16 by 2043. The structure is 30 ft (9.2 m) long and 20 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Route 15/3
CrossesHickory Fork of Buffalo
Location0.52 Mile East of CR 15
RouteCounty Highway 153
CountyClay County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.45073, -80.98078
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
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.2 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2023)
Projected traffic16 by 2043
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Route 15/3 over Hickory Fork of Buffalo built?

It was built in 2003, making it 22 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Route 15/3 over Hickory Fork of Buffalo 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does County Route 15/3 over Hickory Fork of Buffalo carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is County Route 15/3 over Hickory Fork of Buffalo?

The structure is 30 ft (9.2 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns County Route 15/3 over Hickory Fork of Buffalo?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.