US Bridges

Wv 161 over South Fork

PoorPosted for load

McDowell County, West Virginia · 0.14 MI N of CR 161/3 · Structure no. 00000000024A188

Built
1945
80 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
27 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
750
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wv 161 over South Fork is a concrete slab carrying Wv 161 over South Fork in McDowell County, West Virginia. It was built in 1945, so it is 80 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 750 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 870 by 2042. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 23 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWv 161
CrossesSouth Fork
Location0.14 MI N of CR 161/3
RouteState Highway 16100
CountyMcDowell County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.32705, -81.47653
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 protection3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width23 ft (7.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic750 (2022)
Projected traffic870 by 2042
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$450,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Wv 161 over South Fork built?

It was built in 1945, making it 80 years old in 2025.

What condition is Wv 161 over South 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Wv 161 over South Fork carry?

About 750 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is Wv 161 over South Fork?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns Wv 161 over South Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.