US Bridges

US 19 over Rich Creek

Fair

Mercer County, West Virginia · 0.12 MI S of CR 5 · Structure no. 00000000028A188

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
80 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
400
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 19 over Rich Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 19 over Rich Creek in Mercer County, West Virginia. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 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 400 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 420 by 2040. The structure is 80 ft (24.5 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 19
CrossesRich Creek
Location0.12 MI S of CR 5
RouteU.S. Route 1900
CountyMercer County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.44471, -81.12182
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating95 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length80 ft (24.5 m)
Longest span77 ft (23.5 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic400 (2020)
Projected traffic420 by 2040
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 19 over Rich Creek built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 19 over Rich Creek 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 US 19 over Rich Creek carry?

About 400 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is US 19 over Rich Creek?

The structure is 80 ft (24.5 m) long with a longest span of 77 ft (23.5 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US 19 over Rich Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.