US Bridges

County Route 26/3 over Mouse Fork

Poor

Nicholas County, West Virginia · 0.66 Miles East of CR 26 · Structure no. 00000000034A052

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
42 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Route 26/3 over Mouse Fork is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Route 26/3 over Mouse Fork in Nicholas County, West Virginia. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 10 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 11 by 2039. The structure is 42 ft (12.7 m) long and 16 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesCounty Route 26/3
CrossesMouse Fork
Location0.66 Miles East of CR 26
RouteCounty Highway 2603
CountyNicholas County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.19445, -80.80486
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating66 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length42 ft (12.7 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.6 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.8 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2019)
Projected traffic11 by 2039
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 County Route 26/3 over Mouse Fork built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Route 26/3 over Mouse Fork in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in February 2024.

How much traffic does County Route 26/3 over Mouse Fork carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is County Route 26/3 over Mouse Fork?

The structure is 42 ft (12.7 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns County Route 26/3 over Mouse Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.