US Bridges

Preston CR 73/73 over Big Sandy Creek

Fair

Preston County, West Virginia · 0.03 MI West Wv Rt 26 · Structure no. 00000000039A143

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
125 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
950
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Preston CR 73/73 over Big Sandy Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Preston CR 73/73 over Big Sandy Creek in Preston County, West Virginia. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 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 950 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,340 by 2041. The structure is 125 ft (38.2 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPreston CR 73/73
CrossesBig Sandy Creek
Location0.03 MI West Wv Rt 26
RouteCounty Highway 7373
CountyPreston County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates39.65892, -79.63833
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating47 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length125 ft (38.2 m)
Longest span61 ft (18.7 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.2 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic950 (2019)
Projected traffic1,340 by 2041
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Preston CR 73/73 over Big Sandy Creek built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is Preston CR 73/73 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Preston CR 73/73 over Big Sandy Creek carry?

About 950 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Preston CR 73/73 over Big Sandy Creek?

The structure is 125 ft (38.2 m) long with a longest span of 61 ft (18.7 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Preston CR 73/73 over Big Sandy Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.