US Bridges

Preston CO Rt 18 over Muddy Creek

FairPosted for load

Preston County, West Virginia · 0.27 MI East CO Rt 16 · Structure no. 00000000039A042

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
250
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Preston CO Rt 18 over Muddy Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Preston CO Rt 18 over Muddy Creek in Preston County, West Virginia. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 250 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 350 by 2041. The structure is 31 ft (9.3 m) long and 14 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesPreston CO Rt 18
CrossesMuddy Creek
Location0.27 MI East CO Rt 16
RouteCounty Highway 1800
CountyPreston County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates39.58028, -79.60689
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2023
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.3 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.4 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic250 (2022)
Projected traffic350 by 2041
Trucks7%
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$449,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Preston CO Rt 18 over Muddy Creek built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is Preston CO Rt 18 over Muddy 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Preston CO Rt 18 over Muddy Creek carry?

About 250 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Preston CO Rt 18 over Muddy Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.3 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.4 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Preston CO Rt 18 over Muddy Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.