US Bridges

County Route 43/1 over Pearson Branch

Fair

Nicholas County, West Virginia · 0.14 Miles S. of US 19 · Structure no. 00000000034A115

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
49 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
665
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Route 43/1 over Pearson Branch is a steel culvert carrying County Route 43/1 over Pearson Branch 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 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 665 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 811 by 2042. The structure is 49 ft (14.8 m) long.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Route 43/1
CrossesPearson Branch
Location0.14 Miles S. of US 19
RouteCounty Highway 4301
CountyNicholas County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.35649, -80.83763
Functional classRural Local

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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating79 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length49 ft (14.8 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.9 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic665 (2022)
Projected traffic811 by 2042
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$188,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Route 43/1 over Pearson Branch built?

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

What condition is County Route 43/1 over Pearson Branch 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 43/1 over Pearson Branch carry?

About 665 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is County Route 43/1 over Pearson Branch?

The structure is 49 ft (14.8 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.9 m).

Who owns County Route 43/1 over Pearson Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.