US Bridges

Wv 20 over Panther Creek

FairPosted for load

Nicholas County, West Virginia · 0.10 Miles N. of CR 39/15 · Structure no. 00000000034A038

Built
1920
105 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,105
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wv 20 over Panther Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Wv 20 over Panther Creek in Nicholas County, West Virginia. It was built in 1920, so it is 105 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 2,105 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,568 by 2040. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 44.1 mi (71 km).

Location

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CarriesWv 20
CrossesPanther Creek
Location0.10 Miles N. of CR 39/15
RouteState Highway 2000
CountyNicholas County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.23092, -80.66404
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating34.9 US tons
Inventory rating16 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,105 (2020)
Projected traffic2,568 by 2040
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed44.1 mi (71 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$230,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Wv 20 over Panther Creek built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025.

What condition is Wv 20 over Panther 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does Wv 20 over Panther Creek carry?

About 2,105 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Wv 20 over Panther Creek?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.2 m).

Who owns Wv 20 over Panther Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.