US Bridges

Wv Rt 16 over Devils Fork

PoorPosted for load

Raleigh County, West Virginia · 0.05 MI N of CR 35 · Structure no. 00000000041A068

Built
1923
102 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
82 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
600
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wv Rt 16 over Devils Fork is a concrete arch - deck carrying Wv Rt 16 over Devils Fork in Raleigh County, West Virginia. It was built in 1923, so it is 102 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 600 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 630 by 2040. The structure is 82 ft (24.9 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

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CarriesWv Rt 16
CrossesDevils Fork
Location0.05 MI N of CR 35
RouteState Highway 1600
CountyRaleigh County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.59718, -81.32031
Functional classRural Major Collector

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
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating39 US tons
Inventory rating15 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length82 ft (24.9 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.8 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.4 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic600 (2020)
Projected traffic630 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.3 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Wv Rt 16 over Devils Fork built?

It was built in 1923, making it 102 years old in 2025.

What condition is Wv Rt 16 over Devils Fork 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Wv Rt 16 over Devils Fork carry?

About 600 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Wv Rt 16 over Devils Fork?

The structure is 82 ft (24.9 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.8 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Wv Rt 16 over Devils Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.