US Bridges

County Route 8 over Bear Fork

Fair

Gilmer County, West Virginia · 0.03 MI S JCT CO 6/ (sls) · Structure no. 00000000011A141

Built
1952
73 years old, rebuilt 2011
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
27 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
80
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Route 8 over Bear Fork is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Route 8 over Bear Fork in Gilmer County, West Virginia. It was built in 1952 and reconstructed in 2011, so it is 73 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 80 vehicles a day, projected to reach 122 by 2038. The structure is 27 ft (8.3 m) long and 17 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesCounty Route 8
CrossesBear Fork
Location0.03 MI S JCT CO 6/ (sls)
RouteCounty Highway 800
CountyGilmer County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates39.08931, -80.7817
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length27 ft (8.3 m)
Longest span26 ft (8 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.2 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic80 (2018)
Projected traffic122 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$60,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Route 8 over Bear Fork built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2011.

What condition is County Route 8 over Bear 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does County Route 8 over Bear Fork carry?

About 80 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is County Route 8 over Bear Fork?

The structure is 27 ft (8.3 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (8 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns County Route 8 over Bear Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.