US Bridges

Wv 65 over Laurel Fork

FairPosted for load

Mingo County, West Virginia · 0.08 MI South of CR 3/5 · Structure no. 00000000030A082

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
144 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,700
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wv 65 over Laurel Fork is a concrete tee beam carrying Wv 65 over Laurel Fork in Mingo County, West Virginia. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 years old, older 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 2,700 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,835 by 2042. The structure is 144 ft (43.9 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWv 65
CrossesLaurel Fork
Location0.08 MI South of CR 3/5
RouteState Highway 6500
CountyMingo County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.79845, -82.28588
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations on dry land well above flood water elevations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating62.9 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length144 ft (43.9 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.2 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,700 (2022)
Projected traffic2,835 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.1 million (2018 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Wv 65 over Laurel Fork built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is Wv 65 over Laurel 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Wv 65 over Laurel Fork carry?

About 2,700 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Wv 65 over Laurel Fork?

The structure is 144 ft (43.9 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.2 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns Wv 65 over Laurel Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.