US Bridges

County Route 39/18 over Cherry River

Fair

Nicholas County, West Virginia · 0.20 Miles South of Wv 39 · Structure no. 00000000034A069

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
114 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
650
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Route 39/18 over Cherry River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Route 39/18 over Cherry River in Nicholas County, West Virginia. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 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 650 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 715 by 2042. The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Route 39/18
CrossesCherry River
Location0.20 Miles South of Wv 39
RouteCounty Highway 3918
CountyNicholas County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.22201, -80.53279
Functional classRural Minor 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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating63.9 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length114 ft (34.7 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.8 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic650 (2022)
Projected traffic715 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$122,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Route 39/18 over Cherry River built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Route 39/18 over Cherry River 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 39/18 over Cherry River carry?

About 650 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is County Route 39/18 over Cherry River?

The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.8 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns County Route 39/18 over Cherry River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.