US Bridges

County Route 21 over Sandy Creek

Fair

Jackson County, West Virginia · 0.06 Mi.N. of Cr. 14 · Structure no. 00000000018A076

Built
1954
71 years old, rebuilt 2001
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
174 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,800
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Route 21 over Sandy Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Route 21 over Sandy Creek in Jackson County, West Virginia. It was built in 1954 and reconstructed in 2001, so it is 71 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 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 3,800 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,510 by 2039. The structure is 174 ft (53 m) long and 30 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Route 21
CrossesSandy Creek
Location0.06 Mi.N. of Cr. 14
RouteCounty Highway 21
CountyJackson County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.89135, -81.68177
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckClosed grating
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 15
Structure length174 ft (53 m)
Longest span66 ft (20.1 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,800 (2019)
Projected traffic5,510 by 2039
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$500,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Route 21 over Sandy Creek built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2001.

What condition is County Route 21 over Sandy Creek 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 County Route 21 over Sandy Creek carry?

About 3,800 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is County Route 21 over Sandy Creek?

The structure is 174 ft (53 m) long with a longest span of 66 ft (20.1 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns County Route 21 over Sandy Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.