US Bridges

Preston CO Rt 3 over I-68

Fair

Preston County, West Virginia · 0.29 MI South Wv Rt 26 · Structure no. 00000000039A007

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
292 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
350
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Preston CO Rt 3 over I-68 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Preston CO Rt 3 over I-68 in Preston County, West Virginia. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 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 350 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 370 by 2041. The structure is 292 ft (89.1 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPreston CO Rt 3
CrossesI-68
Location0.29 MI South Wv Rt 26
RouteCounty Highway 300
CountyPreston County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates39.66241, -79.61976
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating74 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length292 ft (89.1 m)
Longest span91 ft (27.6 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic350 (2022)
Projected traffic370 by 2041
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Preston CO Rt 3 over I-68 built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is Preston CO Rt 3 over I-68 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 Preston CO Rt 3 over I-68 carry?

About 350 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is Preston CO Rt 3 over I-68?

The structure is 292 ft (89.1 m) long with a longest span of 91 ft (27.6 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Preston CO Rt 3 over I-68?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.