US Bridges

County Route 16/2 over Bells Creek

FairPosted for load

Fayette County, West Virginia · 0.01 Miles E. of Wv 16 · Structure no. 00000000010A059

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
54 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
55
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Route 16/2 over Bells Creek is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying County Route 16/2 over Bells Creek in Fayette County, West Virginia. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 55 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 67 by 2039. The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long and 14 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesCounty Route 16/2
CrossesBells Creek
Location0.01 Miles E. of Wv 16
RouteCounty Highway 1602
CountyFayette County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.24321, -81.19371
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating20.9 US tons
Inventory rating18 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length54 ft (16.5 m)
Longest span51 ft (15.6 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic55 (2019)
Projected traffic67 by 2039
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$652,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Route 16/2 over Bells Creek built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Route 16/2 over Bells 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does County Route 16/2 over Bells Creek carry?

About 55 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is County Route 16/2 over Bells Creek?

The structure is 54 ft (16.5 m) long with a longest span of 51 ft (15.6 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns County Route 16/2 over Bells Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.