US Bridges

Preston CR 26/32 over Birds Creek

Poor

Preston County, West Virginia · 0.03 MI West CO Rt 41/1 · Structure no. 00000000039A060

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,100
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Preston CR 26/32 over Birds Creek is a concrete slab carrying Preston CR 26/32 over Birds Creek in Preston County, West Virginia. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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.

It carries about 1,100 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,550 by 2041. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 23 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPreston CR 26/32
CrossesBirds Creek
Location0.03 MI West CO Rt 41/1
RouteCounty Highway 2632
CountyPreston County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates39.432, -79.7986
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating52 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width23 ft (7 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,100 (2022)
Projected traffic1,550 by 2041
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$578,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Preston CR 26/32 over Birds Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is Preston CR 26/32 over Birds 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Preston CR 26/32 over Birds Creek carry?

About 1,100 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Preston CR 26/32 over Birds Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns Preston CR 26/32 over Birds Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.