US Bridges

Marion CO Rt 56 over West Fork River

FairPosted for load

Marion County, West Virginia · 0.12 MI West CO Rt 27/2 · Structure no. 00000000025A104

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
440 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,600
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Marion CO Rt 56 over West Fork River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Marion CO Rt 56 over West Fork River in Marion County, West Virginia. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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 fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 2,600 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,050 by 2041. The structure is 440 ft (134.2 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMarion CO Rt 56
CrossesWest Fork River
Location0.12 MI West CO Rt 27/2
RouteCounty Highway 5600
CountyMarion County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates39.46115, -80.2165
Functional classUrban 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+3 approach)
Design loadHS 15
Structure length440 ft (134.2 m)
Longest span108 ft (32.9 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,600 (2019)
Projected traffic4,050 by 2041
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$3 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Marion CO Rt 56 over West Fork River built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is Marion CO Rt 56 over West Fork River 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Marion CO Rt 56 over West Fork River carry?

About 2,600 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Marion CO Rt 56 over West Fork River?

The structure is 440 ft (134.2 m) long with a longest span of 108 ft (32.9 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Marion CO Rt 56 over West Fork River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.