US Bridges

US Route 50 over Buffalo Creek

FairPosted for load

Preston County, West Virginia · 0.03 MI East Wv Rt 72 · Structure no. 00000000039A118

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
148 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
700
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US Route 50 over Buffalo Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US Route 50 over Buffalo Creek in Preston County, West Virginia. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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 700 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 840 by 2041. The structure is 148 ft (45 m) long and 32 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesUS Route 50
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location0.03 MI East Wv Rt 72
RouteU.S. Route 5000
CountyPreston County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates39.31936, -79.68798
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating33 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+1 approach)
Design loadHS 15
Structure length148 ft (45 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.4 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic700 (2022)
Projected traffic840 by 2041
Trucks13%
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$4.9 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US Route 50 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is US Route 50 over Buffalo 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does US Route 50 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 700 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is US Route 50 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 148 ft (45 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.4 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns US Route 50 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.