US Bridges

County Route 39/1 over Gauley River

Fair

Fayette County, West Virginia · 0.01 Miles N. of CR 60/3 · Structure no. 00000000010A290

Built
2004
21 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
471 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
886
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Route 39/1 over Gauley River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Route 39/1 over Gauley River in Fayette County, West Virginia. It was built in 2004, so it is 21 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 fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 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 886 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,081 by 2039. The structure is 471 ft (143.7 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 28 mi (45 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Route 39/1
CrossesGauley River
Location0.01 Miles N. of CR 60/3
RouteCounty Highway 3901
CountyFayette County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.22624, -81.15262
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating48 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length471 ft (143.7 m)
Longest span180 ft (54.9 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic886 (2019)
Projected traffic1,081 by 2039
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed28 mi (45 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$1 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Route 39/1 over Gauley River built?

It was built in 2004, making it 21 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Route 39/1 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does County Route 39/1 over Gauley River carry?

About 886 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is County Route 39/1 over Gauley River?

The structure is 471 ft (143.7 m) long with a longest span of 180 ft (54.9 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns County Route 39/1 over Gauley River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.