US Bridges

CR 44 over Bills Creek

Poor

Putnam County, West Virginia · 0.92 MI N of CR 42 · Structure no. 00000000040A099

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
400
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 44 over Bills Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CR 44 over Bills Creek in Putnam County, West Virginia. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 400 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 536 by 2041. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 20 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 44
CrossesBills Creek
Location0.92 MI N of CR 42
RouteCounty Highway 4400
CountyPutnam County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.47207, -81.84561
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating84 US tons
Inventory rating50 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.4 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic400 (2021)
Projected traffic536 by 2041
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$250,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 44 over Bills Creek built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 44 over Bills Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in January 2023.

How much traffic does CR 44 over Bills Creek carry?

About 400 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is CR 44 over Bills Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.4 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns CR 44 over Bills Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.