US Bridges

Wv 34 over Big Creek

Poor

Lincoln County, West Virginia · 0.01 Mi. S. of Cr. 34/2 · Structure no. 00000000022A056

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Steel
Length
39 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,500
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wv 34 over Big Creek is a steel arch - deck carrying Wv 34 over Big Creek in Lincoln County, West Virginia. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 1,500 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,575 by 2041. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long and 56 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWv 34
CrossesBig Creek
Location0.01 Mi. S. of Cr. 34/2
RouteState Highway 3400
CountyLincoln County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.30682, -82.04861
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
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span13 ft (4 m)
Deck width56 ft (17.2 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,500 (2021)
Projected traffic1,575 by 2041
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$765,000 (2018 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Wv 34 over Big Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is Wv 34 over Big 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Wv 34 over Big Creek carry?

About 1,500 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Wv 34 over Big Creek?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4 m) and a deck 56 ft wide.

Who owns Wv 34 over Big Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.