US Bridges

Preston CO 26/38 over Lt Fork of Little Sandy

Good

Preston County, West Virginia · 0.74 MI South Wv 26 · Structure no. 00000000039A222

Built
2003
22 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
42 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Preston CO 26/38 over Lt Fork of Little Sandy is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Preston CO 26/38 over Lt Fork of Little Sandy in Preston County, West Virginia. It was built in 2003, so it is 22 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 70 by 2041. The structure is 42 ft (12.7 m) long and 12 ft wide.

CarriesPreston CO 26/38
CrossesLt Fork of Little Sandy
Location0.74 MI South Wv 26
RouteCounty Highway 2638
Coordinates39.36879, -79.77738
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating72 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length42 ft (12.7 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.8 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2022)
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Preston CO 26/38 over Lt Fork of Little Sandy built?

It was built in 2003, making it 22 years old in 2025.

What condition is Preston CO 26/38 over Lt Fork of Little Sandy in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in May 2023.

How much traffic does Preston CO 26/38 over Lt Fork of Little Sandy carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Preston CO 26/38 over Lt Fork of Little Sandy?

The structure is 42 ft (12.7 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns Preston CO 26/38 over Lt Fork of Little Sandy?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.