US Bridges

Wv 39 over Laurel Creek

PoorPosted for load

Pocahontas County, West Virginia · 0.04 MI W of Wv 92 · Structure no. 00000000038A059

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2023
Type
Frame
Concrete
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
800
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wv 39 over Laurel Creek is a concrete frame carrying Wv 39 over Laurel Creek in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 4 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 800 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,038 by 2042. The structure is 30 ft (9 m) long and 32 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWv 39
CrossesLaurel Creek
Location0.04 MI W of Wv 92
RouteState Highway 3900
CountyPocahontas County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.12465, -79.9507
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeFrame
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length30 ft (9 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic800 (2022)
Projected traffic1,038 by 2042
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.4 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Wv 39 over Laurel Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is Wv 39 over Laurel Creek 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Wv 39 over Laurel Creek carry?

About 800 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is Wv 39 over Laurel Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Wv 39 over Laurel Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.