US Bridges

Preston CO Rt 74 over Left Fork of Sandy Creek

FairPosted for load

Preston County, West Virginia · 0.04 MI South Pres CO 76 · Structure no. 00000000039A155

Built
1944
81 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
48 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Preston CO Rt 74 over Left Fork of Sandy Creek is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying Preston CO Rt 74 over Left Fork of Sandy Creek in Preston County, West Virginia. It was built in 1944, so it is 81 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, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 70 by 2041. The structure is 48 ft (14.5 m) long and 15 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesPreston CO Rt 74
CrossesLeft Fork of Sandy Creek
Location0.04 MI South Pres CO 76
RouteCounty Highway 7400
CountyPreston County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates39.29822, -79.85006
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.
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2022
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating41 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length48 ft (14.5 m)
Longest span46 ft (14 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.5 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2019)
Projected traffic70 by 2041
Trucks7%
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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Preston CO Rt 74 over Left Fork of Sandy Creek built?

It was built in 1944, making it 81 years old in 2025.

What condition is Preston CO Rt 74 over Left Fork of 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 December 2022.

How much traffic does Preston CO Rt 74 over Left Fork of Sandy Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Preston CO Rt 74 over Left Fork of Sandy Creek?

The structure is 48 ft (14.5 m) long with a longest span of 46 ft (14 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns Preston CO Rt 74 over Left Fork of Sandy Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.