US Bridges

Wv 39 over Gauley River

Fair

Nicholas County, West Virginia · 1.36 Miles E. of US 19 · Structure no. 00000000034A130

Built
2006
19 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
1,487 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
5,600
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wv 39 over Gauley River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Wv 39 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 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 5,600 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,880 by 2039. The structure is 1,487 ft (453.2 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 72.1 mi (116 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWv 39
CrossesGauley River
Location1.36 Miles E. of US 19
RouteState Highway 3900
CountyNicholas County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.26625, -80.81691
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating46 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length1,487 ft (453.2 m)
Longest span300 ft (91.4 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,600 (2019)
Projected traffic5,880 by 2039
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed72.1 mi (116 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 39 over Gauley River built?

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

What condition is Wv 39 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Wv 39 over Gauley River carry?

About 5,600 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Wv 39 over Gauley River?

The structure is 1,487 ft (453.2 m) long with a longest span of 300 ft (91.4 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Wv 39 over Gauley River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.