US Bridges

US Rt 19 Alt over Wv 16

Poor

Raleigh County, West Virginia · 0.29 MI W of US 19 Ramp · Structure no. 00000000041A195

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
198 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,600
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US Rt 19 Alt over Wv 16 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US Rt 19 Alt over Wv 16 in Raleigh County, West Virginia. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 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 5,600 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,720 by 2040. The structure is 198 ft (60.5 m) long and 45 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS Rt 19 Alt
CrossesWv 16
Location0.29 MI W of US 19 Ramp
RouteU.S. Route 1900
CountyRaleigh County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.85097, -81.1971
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating72 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length198 ft (60.5 m)
Longest span84 ft (25.7 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.6 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,600 (2020)
Projected traffic6,720 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$4 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US Rt 19 Alt over Wv 16 built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is US Rt 19 Alt over Wv 16 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does US Rt 19 Alt over Wv 16 carry?

About 5,600 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US Rt 19 Alt over Wv 16?

The structure is 198 ft (60.5 m) long with a longest span of 84 ft (25.7 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns US Rt 19 Alt over Wv 16?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.