US Bridges

County Route 38/1 over East River

FairPosted for load

Mercer County, West Virginia · 0.22 Miles S of Wv 112 · Structure no. 00000000028A304

Built
2000
25 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Route 38/1 over East River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Route 38/1 over East River in Mercer County, West Virginia. It was built in 2000, so it is 25 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 10 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 12 by 2040. The structure is 28 ft (8.6 m) long and 14 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Route 38/1
CrossesEast River
Location0.22 Miles S of Wv 112
RouteCounty Highway 3801
CountyMercer County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.29276, -81.14865
Functional classUrban 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
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 inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating20.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length28 ft (8.6 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width13 ft (3.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2020)
Projected traffic12 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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$400,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Route 38/1 over East River built?

It was built in 2000, making it 25 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Route 38/1 over East 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 County Route 38/1 over East River carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is County Route 38/1 over East River?

The structure is 28 ft (8.6 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns County Route 38/1 over East River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.