US Bridges

Wv 20 over Gauley River

Fair

Nicholas County, West Virginia · 0.01 Miles N. of CR 20/9 · Structure no. 00000000034A129

Built
2006
19 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
553 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,285
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wv 20 over Gauley River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Wv 20 over Gauley River in Nicholas County, West Virginia. It was built in 2006, so it is 19 years old, younger 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 2,285 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,788 by 2039. The structure is 553 ft (168.6 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 44.1 mi (71 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWv 20
CrossesGauley River
Location0.01 Miles N. of CR 20/9
RouteState Highway 2000
CountyNicholas County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.2912, -80.6413
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 2023
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
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating87 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length553 ft (168.6 m)
Longest span210 ft (64 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,285 (2019)
Projected traffic2,788 by 2039
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed44.1 mi (71 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Wv 20 over Gauley River built?

It was built in 2006, making it 19 years old in 2025.

What condition is Wv 20 over Gauley 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Wv 20 over Gauley River carry?

About 2,285 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Wv 20 over Gauley River?

The structure is 553 ft (168.6 m) long with a longest span of 210 ft (64 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Wv 20 over Gauley River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.