US Bridges

West Virginia 16 over Dry Fork

Fair

McDowell County, West Virginia · 0.15 MI North of CO 102/2 · Structure no. 00000000024A269

Built
1995
30 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
162 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

West Virginia 16 over Dry Fork is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying West Virginia 16 over Dry 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 2,000 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,320 by 2040. The structure is 162 ft (49.4 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

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CarriesWest Virginia 16
CrossesDry Fork
Location0.15 MI North of CO 102/2
RouteState Highway 1600
CountyMcDowell County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.30269, -81.67958
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length162 ft (49.4 m)
Longest span79 ft (24.1 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.3 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,000 (2020)
Projected traffic2,320 by 2040
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 proposedDeck rehabilitation with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$600,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was West Virginia 16 over Dry Fork built?

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

What condition is West Virginia 16 over Dry 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 West Virginia 16 over Dry Fork carry?

About 2,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is West Virginia 16 over Dry Fork?

The structure is 162 ft (49.4 m) long with a longest span of 79 ft (24.1 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns West Virginia 16 over Dry Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.