US Bridges

Wv. Route 161 over Tug Fork

Fair

McDowell County, West Virginia · 0.11 Mi. S. of Wv. 103 · Structure no. 00000000024A189

Built
1995
30 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
54 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wv. Route 161 over Tug Fork is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Wv. Route 161 over Tug Fork in McDowell County, West Virginia. It was built in 1995, so it is 30 years old, younger 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 1,000 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,160 by 2040. The structure is 54 ft (16.4 m) long and 28 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWv. Route 161
CrossesTug Fork
Location0.11 Mi. S. of Wv. 103
RouteState Highway 16100
CountyMcDowell County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.33394, -81.48147
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating68 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckOther
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length54 ft (16.4 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,000 (2020)
Projected traffic1,160 by 2040
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Wv. Route 161 over Tug Fork built?

It was built in 1995, making it 30 years old in 2025.

What condition is Wv. Route 161 over Tug Fork 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Wv. Route 161 over Tug Fork carry?

About 1,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is Wv. Route 161 over Tug Fork?

The structure is 54 ft (16.4 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Wv. Route 161 over Tug Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.