US Bridges

West Virginia 47 over Macfarlan Creek

PoorPosted for load

Ritchie County, West Virginia · 0.04 Mile East of CR 30 · Structure no. 00000000043A098

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
108 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
650
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

West Virginia 47 over Macfarlan Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying West Virginia 47 over Macfarlan Creek in Ritchie County, West Virginia. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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 650 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 741 by 2039. The structure is 108 ft (32.9 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

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CarriesWest Virginia 47
CrossesMacfarlan Creek
Location0.04 Mile East of CR 30
RouteState Highway 47
CountyRitchie County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates39.07793, -81.19738
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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length108 ft (32.9 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.3 m)
Deck width23 ft (7 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic650 (2019)
Projected traffic741 by 2039
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was West Virginia 47 over Macfarlan Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is West Virginia 47 over Macfarlan 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does West Virginia 47 over Macfarlan Creek carry?

About 650 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is West Virginia 47 over Macfarlan Creek?

The structure is 108 ft (32.9 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.3 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns West Virginia 47 over Macfarlan Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.