US Bridges

West Virginia 47 over South Fork Hughes River

Good

Ritchie County, West Virginia · 0.02 Mile East of CR 32 · Structure no. 00000000043A177

Built
2001
24 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
233 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
650
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

West Virginia 47 over South Fork Hughes River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying West Virginia 47 over South Fork Hughes River in Ritchie County, West Virginia. It was built in 2001, so it is 24 years old, younger than the West Virginia average of 44.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 650 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 741 by 2039. The structure is 233 ft (71 m) long and 30 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWest Virginia 47
CrossesSouth Fork Hughes River
Location0.02 Mile East of CR 32
RouteState Highway 47
CountyRitchie County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates39.07899, -81.21188
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating68 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length233 ft (71 m)
Longest span92 ft (28 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 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 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 proposedDeck rehabilitation with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$750,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was West Virginia 47 over South Fork Hughes River built?

It was built in 2001, making it 24 years old in 2025.

What condition is West Virginia 47 over South Fork Hughes River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in April 2022.

How much traffic does West Virginia 47 over South Fork Hughes River carry?

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

How long is West Virginia 47 over South Fork Hughes River?

The structure is 233 ft (71 m) long with a longest span of 92 ft (28 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns West Virginia 47 over South Fork Hughes River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.