US Bridges

Wv 5 over Sand Fork

Fair

Gilmer County, West Virginia · 0.14 MI W CO 35/22 · Structure no. 00000000011A013

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
167 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,900
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wv 5 over Sand Fork is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Wv 5 over Sand Fork in Gilmer County, West Virginia. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 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 3,900 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,095 by 2038. The structure is 167 ft (50.9 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 34.2 mi (55 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWv 5
CrossesSand Fork
Location0.14 MI W CO 35/22
RouteState Highway 500
CountyGilmer County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.91587, -80.75186
Functional classRural Major 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 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 adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating87 US tons
Inventory rating52 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length167 ft (50.9 m)
Longest span81 ft (24.6 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,900 (2018)
Projected traffic4,095 by 2038
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed34.2 mi (55 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$72,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Wv 5 over Sand Fork built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is Wv 5 over Sand Fork 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does Wv 5 over Sand Fork carry?

About 3,900 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Wv 5 over Sand Fork?

The structure is 167 ft (50.9 m) long with a longest span of 81 ft (24.6 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns Wv 5 over Sand Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.