US Bridges

Wv 16 over Big Creek

PoorPosted for load

McDowell County, West Virginia · 0.03 Mi. S. of CR.12/5 · Structure no. 00000000024A105

Built
1916
109 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
74 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
800
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wv 16 over Big Creek is a concrete arch - deck carrying Wv 16 over Big Creek in McDowell County, West Virginia. It was built in 1916, so it is 109 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 800 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 928 by 2043. The structure is 74 ft (22.5 m) long and 30 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWv 16
CrossesBig Creek
Location0.03 Mi. S. of CR.12/5
RouteState Highway 1600
CountyMcDowell County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.29008, -81.65211
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating31 US tons
Inventory rating12 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length74 ft (22.5 m)
Longest span51 ft (15.5 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic800 (2023)
Projected traffic928 by 2043
Trucks13%
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$1.3 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Wv 16 over Big Creek built?

It was built in 1916, making it 109 years old in 2025.

What condition is Wv 16 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Wv 16 over Big Creek carry?

About 800 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is Wv 16 over Big Creek?

The structure is 74 ft (22.5 m) long with a longest span of 51 ft (15.5 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Wv 16 over Big Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.