US Bridges

West Virginia 31 over Big Run

Poor

Ritchie County, West Virginia · 0.04 M South of CR 31/11 · Structure no. 00000000043A150

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
46 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
550
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

West Virginia 31 over Big Run is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying West Virginia 31 over Big Run in Ritchie County, West Virginia. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 550 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 627 by 2042. The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long and 32 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWest Virginia 31
CrossesBig Run
Location0.04 M South of CR 31/11
RouteState Highway 31
CountyRitchie County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates39.21802, -81.16163
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating54 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length46 ft (14 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic550 (2022)
Projected traffic627 by 2042
Trucks9%
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$340,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was West Virginia 31 over Big Run built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is West Virginia 31 over Big Run 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 2024.

How much traffic does West Virginia 31 over Big Run carry?

About 550 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is West Virginia 31 over Big Run?

The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns West Virginia 31 over Big Run?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.