US Bridges

County Route 16/1 over Bells Creek

Fair

Nicholas County, West Virginia · 0.83 Miles W. of Wv 16 · Structure no. 00000000034A020

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
137 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
520
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Route 16/1 over Bells Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Route 16/1 over Bells Creek in Nicholas County, West Virginia. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 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.

It carries about 520 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 655 by 2041. The structure is 137 ft (41.8 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 34.8 mi (56 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Route 16/1
CrossesBells Creek
Location0.83 Miles W. of Wv 16
RouteCounty Highway 1601
CountyNicholas County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.25005, -81.20708
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionJanuary 2024
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating75.9 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+1 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length137 ft (41.8 m)
Longest span67 ft (20.4 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic520 (2021)
Projected traffic655 by 2041
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed34.8 mi (56 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 proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$149,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Route 16/1 over Bells Creek built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Route 16/1 over Bells 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does County Route 16/1 over Bells Creek carry?

About 520 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is County Route 16/1 over Bells Creek?

The structure is 137 ft (41.8 m) long with a longest span of 67 ft (20.4 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns County Route 16/1 over Bells Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.