US Bridges

Byrd Access Bridge over Ohio River (locks)

Fair

Mason County, West Virginia · R.C. Byrd Locks & Dam · Structure no. CEPORHWV5029307

Built
1993
32 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
989 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
350
2023 count
Owner
Federal
Corps of Engineers (Civil)

About this bridge

Byrd Access Bridge over Ohio River (locks) is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Byrd Access Bridge over Ohio River (locks) in Mason County, West Virginia. It was built in 1993, so it is 32 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 6 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 350 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 400 by 2041. The structure is 989 ft (301.3 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

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CarriesByrd Access Bridge
CrossesOhio River (locks)
LocationR.C. Byrd Locks & Dam
RouteFederal Lands Road 0
CountyMason County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.68167, -82.18333
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56.1 US tons
Inventory rating37.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+8 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length989 ft (301.3 m)
Longest span139 ft (42.3 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic350 (2023)
Projected traffic400 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCorps of Engineers (Civil)
Maintained byCorps of Engineers (Civil)
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2.5 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Byrd Access Bridge over Ohio River (locks) built?

It was built in 1993, making it 32 years old in 2025.

What condition is Byrd Access Bridge over Ohio River (locks) 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 2023.

How much traffic does Byrd Access Bridge over Ohio River (locks) carry?

About 350 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Byrd Access Bridge over Ohio River (locks)?

The structure is 989 ft (301.3 m) long with a longest span of 139 ft (42.3 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Byrd Access Bridge over Ohio River (locks)?

It is owned by the Corps of Engineers (Civil).