US Bridges

County Route 22 over Laurel Branch

Poor

Nicholas County, West Virginia · 0.10 Miles W. of Wv 129 · Structure no. 00000000034A118

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
22 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
150
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Route 22 over Laurel Branch is a steel culvert carrying County Route 22 over Laurel Branch in Nicholas County, West Virginia. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 3 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 150 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 165 by 2042. The structure is 22 ft (6.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Route 22
CrossesLaurel Branch
Location0.10 Miles W. of Wv 129
RouteCounty Highway 2200
CountyNicholas County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.25811, -80.98919
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating79 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length22 ft (6.6 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic150 (2022)
Projected traffic165 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Route 22 over Laurel Branch built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Route 22 over Laurel Branch 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does County Route 22 over Laurel Branch carry?

About 150 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is County Route 22 over Laurel Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.6 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns County Route 22 over Laurel Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.