US Bridges

Wv Route 71 over Bluestone River

Fair

Mercer County, West Virginia · 0.01 Mile N of CO 71/14 · Structure no. 00000000028A310

Built
2003
22 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
138 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wv Route 71 over Bluestone River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Wv Route 71 over Bluestone River in Mercer County, West Virginia. It was built in 2003, so it is 22 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 3,000 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,150 by 2040. The structure is 138 ft (42.1 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

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CarriesWv Route 71
CrossesBluestone River
Location0.01 Mile N of CO 71/14
RouteState Highway 7100
CountyMercer County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.35407, -81.24745
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating46 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length138 ft (42.1 m)
Longest span135 ft (41.1 m)
Deck width33 ft (10 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,000 (2020)
Projected traffic3,150 by 2040
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 Wv Route 71 over Bluestone River built?

It was built in 2003, making it 22 years old in 2025.

What condition is Wv Route 71 over Bluestone 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Wv Route 71 over Bluestone River carry?

About 3,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Wv Route 71 over Bluestone River?

The structure is 138 ft (42.1 m) long with a longest span of 135 ft (41.1 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Wv Route 71 over Bluestone River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.