US Bridges

CR 3/4 over Bull Creek

Fair

McDowell County, West Virginia · 0.01 MI S of CR 1/2 · Structure no. 00000000024A024

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 2003
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
150
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 3/4 over Bull Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CR 3/4 over Bull Creek in McDowell County, West Virginia. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 2003, so it is 75 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 150 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 158 by 2040. The structure is 30 ft (9 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesCR 3/4
CrossesBull Creek
Location0.01 MI S of CR 1/2
RouteCounty Highway 304
CountyMcDowell County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.50793, -81.92988
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating52 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.4 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width13 ft (3.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic150 (2020)
Projected traffic158 by 2040
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$400,000 (2019 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 3/4 over Bull Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2003.

What condition is CR 3/4 over Bull 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does CR 3/4 over Bull Creek carry?

About 150 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is CR 3/4 over Bull Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.4 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns CR 3/4 over Bull Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.