US Bridges

Interstate 68 over Big Sandy Creek

Fair

Preston County, West Virginia · 0.14 MI West Wv Rt 26 · Structure no. 00000000039A112

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
170 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
8,100
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Interstate 68 over Big Sandy Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Interstate 68 over Big Sandy 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.

It carries about 8,100 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,580 by 2041. The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long and 64 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesInterstate 68
CrossesBig Sandy Creek
Location0.14 MI West Wv Rt 26
RouteInterstate 6800
CountyPreston County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates39.65482, -79.64046
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating71 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length170 ft (51.8 m)
Longest span71 ft (21.6 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.4 m)
Roadway width60 ft (18.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,100 (2019)
Projected traffic11,580 by 2041
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$1.1 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Interstate 68 over Big Sandy Creek built?

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

What condition is Interstate 68 over Big 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Interstate 68 over Big Sandy Creek carry?

About 8,100 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is Interstate 68 over Big Sandy Creek?

The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long with a longest span of 71 ft (21.6 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns Interstate 68 over Big Sandy Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.