US Bridges

County Route 3 over Sinking Creek

PoorPosted for load

Gilmer County, West Virginia · 0.05 MI S of CO 3/5 · Structure no. 00000000011A006

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
29 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
150
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Route 3 over Sinking Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Route 3 over Sinking Creek in Gilmer County, West Virginia. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 150 vehicles a day, projected to reach 228 by 2038. The structure is 29 ft (8.7 m) long and 16 ft wide.

CarriesCounty Route 3
CrossesSinking Creek
Location0.05 MI S of CO 3/5
RouteCounty Highway 300
Coordinates38.97914, -80.8941
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating31 US tons
Inventory rating19 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length29 ft (8.7 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.4 m)
Deck width16 ft (5 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic150 (2018)
Projected traffic228 by 2038
Trucks0%
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$375,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Route 3 over Sinking Creek built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Route 3 over Sinking 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does County Route 3 over Sinking Creek carry?

About 150 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is County Route 3 over Sinking Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.7 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.4 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns County Route 3 over Sinking Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.