US Bridges

US 40 over Ohio River Back Channel

Good

Ohio County, West Virginia · 0.39 Mi. West JCT I-70 · Structure no. 00000000035A133

Built
1998
27 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
643 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10,300
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 40 over Ohio River Back Channel is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 40 over Ohio River Back Channel in Ohio County, West Virginia. It was built in 1998, so it is 27 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 10,300 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,566 by 2040. The structure is 643 ft (196.1 m) long and 52 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 40
CrossesOhio River Back Channel
Location0.39 Mi. West JCT I-70
RouteU.S. Route 40
CountyOhio County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates40.07232, -80.73791
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating67 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 length643 ft (196.1 m)
Longest span260 ft (79.2 m)
Deck width52 ft (15.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,300 (2020)
Projected traffic12,566 by 2040
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedDeck rehabilitation with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$1.3 million (2019 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 40 over Ohio River Back Channel built?

It was built in 1998, making it 27 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 40 over Ohio River Back Channel in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in October 2023.

How much traffic does US 40 over Ohio River Back Channel carry?

About 10,300 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US 40 over Ohio River Back Channel?

The structure is 643 ft (196.1 m) long with a longest span of 260 ft (79.2 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns US 40 over Ohio River Back Channel?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.