US Bridges

County Route 7/11 over Slab Creek

PoorPosted for load

Ritchie County, West Virginia · 0.08 M North of CR 7/12 · Structure no. 00000000043A019

Built
1909
116 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
63 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Route 7/11 over Slab Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying County Route 7/11 over Slab Creek in Ritchie County, West Virginia. It was built in 1909, so it is 116 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 3 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 10 vehicles a day, projected to reach 15 by 2042. The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long and 13 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Route 7/11
CrossesSlab Creek
Location0.08 M North of CR 7/12
RouteCounty Highway 711
CountyRitchie County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates39.153, -80.94991
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating18 US tons
Inventory rating11 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length63 ft (19.2 m)
Longest span62 ft (18.9 m)
Deck width13 ft (4.1 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2022)
Projected traffic15 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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$250,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Route 7/11 over Slab Creek built?

It was built in 1909, making it 116 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Route 7/11 over Slab 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does County Route 7/11 over Slab Creek carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is County Route 7/11 over Slab Creek?

The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long with a longest span of 62 ft (18.9 m) and a deck 13 ft wide.

Who owns County Route 7/11 over Slab Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.