US Bridges

County Route 8 over Sams Branch

PoorPosted for load

McDowell County, West Virginia · 0.46 MI South of CO 8/1 · Structure no. 00000000024A053

Built
1933
92 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
33 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
150
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Route 8 over Sams Branch is a concrete continuous slab carrying County Route 8 over Sams Branch in McDowell County, West Virginia. It was built in 1933, so it is 92 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 150 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 158 by 2040. The structure is 33 ft (10 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.7 mi (35 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Route 8
CrossesSams Branch
Location0.46 MI South of CO 8/1
RouteCounty Highway 800
CountyMcDowell County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.29249, -81.42527
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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+1 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length33 ft (10 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic150 (2020)
Projected traffic158 by 2040
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.7 mi (35 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 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Route 8 over Sams Branch built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Route 8 over Sams Branch 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does County Route 8 over Sams Branch carry?

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

How long is County Route 8 over Sams Branch?

The structure is 33 ft (10 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns County Route 8 over Sams Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.