US Bridges

US 60 over Gauley River

Fair

Fayette County, West Virginia · 0.02 Miles E. of Wv 16 · Structure no. 00000000010A142

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
705 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
3,170
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 60 over Gauley River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 60 over Gauley River in Fayette County, West Virginia. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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.

It carries about 3,170 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,867 by 2040. The structure is 705 ft (215 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 62.8 mi (101 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 60
CrossesGauley River
Location0.02 Miles E. of Wv 16
RouteU.S. Route 6000
CountyFayette County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.16287, -81.19594
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating85 US tons
Inventory rating51 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length705 ft (215 m)
Longest span106 ft (32.3 m)
Deck width36 ft (11.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,170 (2020)
Projected traffic3,867 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed62.8 mi (101 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$632,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 60 over Gauley River built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 60 over Gauley River 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 US 60 over Gauley River carry?

About 3,170 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US 60 over Gauley River?

The structure is 705 ft (215 m) long with a longest span of 106 ft (32.3 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns US 60 over Gauley River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.