US Bridges

Preston CO Rt 72/4 over Buffalo Creek

FairPosted for load

Preston County, West Virginia · 0.01 MI East Wv Rt 72 · Structure no. 00000000039A150

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 1968
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
77 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Preston CO Rt 72/4 over Buffalo Creek is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying Preston CO Rt 72/4 over Buffalo Creek in Preston County, West Virginia. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 1968, so it is 75 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 70 by 2041. The structure is 77 ft (23.6 m) long and 12 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesPreston CO Rt 72/4
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location0.01 MI East Wv Rt 72
RouteCounty Highway 7204
CountyPreston County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates39.28521, -79.72779
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
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating20.9 US tons
Inventory rating12 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length77 ft (23.6 m)
Longest span36 ft (10.9 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.7 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2019)
Projected traffic70 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$648,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Preston CO Rt 72/4 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1968.

What condition is Preston CO Rt 72/4 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 Preston CO Rt 72/4 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Preston CO Rt 72/4 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 77 ft (23.6 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (10.9 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns Preston CO Rt 72/4 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.