US Bridges

Preston CO Rt 3/3 over Little Sandy Creek

FairPosted for load

Preston County, West Virginia · 0.37 MI East CO Rt 3/1 · Structure no. 00000000039A008

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
38 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Preston CO Rt 3/3 over Little Sandy Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Preston CO Rt 3/3 over Little Sandy Creek in Preston County, West Virginia. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 70 by 2041. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 12 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesPreston CO Rt 3/3
CrossesLittle Sandy Creek
Location0.37 MI East CO Rt 3/1
RouteCounty Highway 303
CountyPreston County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates39.64394, -79.60278
Functional classRural Local

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.2 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.7 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2022)
Projected traffic70 by 2041
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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$509,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Preston CO Rt 3/3 over Little Sandy Creek built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is Preston CO Rt 3/3 over Little Sandy Creek 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Preston CO Rt 3/3 over Little Sandy Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Preston CO Rt 3/3 over Little Sandy Creek?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.2 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns Preston CO Rt 3/3 over Little Sandy Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.