US Bridges

Wv 49 over Tug Fork

Fair

Mingo County, West Virginia · 1.65 MI South of CR 49/3 · Structure no. 00000000030A056

Built
1991
34 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
321 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
850
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wv 49 over Tug Fork is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Wv 49 over Tug Fork in Mingo County, West Virginia. It was built in 1991, so it is 34 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 850 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 893 by 2044. The structure is 321 ft (97.8 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.7 mi (80 km).

Location

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CarriesWv 49
CrossesTug Fork
Location1.65 MI South of CR 49/3
RouteState Highway 4900
CountyMingo County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.56623, -82.14375
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75.9 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length321 ft (97.8 m)
Longest span135 ft (41.1 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.5 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic850 (2024)
Projected traffic893 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed49.7 mi (80 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 49 over Tug Fork built?

It was built in 1991, making it 34 years old in 2025.

What condition is Wv 49 over Tug Fork 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Wv 49 over Tug Fork carry?

About 850 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Wv 49 over Tug Fork?

The structure is 321 ft (97.8 m) long with a longest span of 135 ft (41.1 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns Wv 49 over Tug Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.