US Bridges

Preston CO Rt 51/3 over Saltlick Creek

Fair

Preston County, West Virginia · 0.01 MI North CO Rt 51 · Structure no. 00000000039A125

Built
1981
44 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
38 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Preston CO Rt 51/3 over Saltlick Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Preston CO Rt 51/3 over Saltlick Creek in Preston County, West Virginia. It was built in 1981 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 44 years old, younger 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 10 vehicles a day, projected to reach 14 by 2041. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 14 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPreston CO Rt 51/3
CrossesSaltlick Creek
Location0.01 MI North CO Rt 51
RouteCounty Highway 5103
CountyPreston County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates39.38567, -79.62024
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating53 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span33 ft (10 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2019)
Projected traffic14 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$459,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Preston CO Rt 51/3 over Saltlick Creek built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is Preston CO Rt 51/3 over Saltlick 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 51/3 over Saltlick Creek carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Preston CO Rt 51/3 over Saltlick Creek?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Preston CO Rt 51/3 over Saltlick Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.