US Bridges

Wv 3 over Bear Fork

Poor

Lincoln County, West Virginia · 0.02 MI West of CR 16 · Structure no. 00000000022A006

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,100
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wv 3 over Bear Fork is a concrete slab carrying Wv 3 over Bear Fork in Lincoln County, West Virginia. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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.

It carries about 2,100 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,205 by 2043. The structure is 28 ft (8.6 m) long and 31 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWv 3
CrossesBear Fork
Location0.02 MI West of CR 16
RouteState Highway 300
CountyLincoln County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.23264, -81.96783
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations on dry land well above flood water elevations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating70 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length28 ft (8.6 m)
Longest span26 ft (8 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,100 (2023)
Projected traffic2,205 by 2043
Trucks6%
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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$130,000 (2018 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Wv 3 over Bear Fork built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is Wv 3 over Bear Fork 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Wv 3 over Bear Fork carry?

About 2,100 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Wv 3 over Bear Fork?

The structure is 28 ft (8.6 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (8 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Wv 3 over Bear Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.