US Bridges

US 35 over Ohio River

Fair

Mason County, West Virginia · 0.40 MI W of Wv 2 · Structure no. 00000000027A063

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
1,964 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
24,200
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 35 over Ohio River is a steel truss - thru carrying US 35 over Ohio River in Mason County, West Virginia. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 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 24,200 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 34,400 by 2038. The structure is 1,964 ft (598.7 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.7 mi (80 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 35
CrossesOhio River
Location0.40 MI W of Wv 2
RouteU.S. Route 3500
CountyMason County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.83494, -82.14794
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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.
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+4 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,964 ft (598.7 m)
Longest span900 ft (274.3 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.6 m)
Roadway width60 ft (18.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck17 ft (5.3 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic24,200 (2018)
Projected traffic34,400 by 2038
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed49.7 mi (80 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$30,000 (2018 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 35 over Ohio River built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 35 over Ohio 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US 35 over Ohio River carry?

About 24,200 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is US 35 over Ohio River?

The structure is 1,964 ft (598.7 m) long with a longest span of 900 ft (274.3 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns US 35 over Ohio River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.