US Bridges

County Route 44 over Birch River

Fair

Webster County, West Virginia · 0.01 MI S of Wv 82 · Structure no. 00000000051A067

Built
1992
33 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
42 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
30
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Route 44 over Birch River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Route 44 over Birch River in Webster County, West Virginia. It was built in 1992, so it is 33 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 fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 30 vehicles a day, projected to reach 32 by 2038. The structure is 42 ft (12.7 m) long and 20 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Route 44
CrossesBirch River
Location0.01 MI S of Wv 82
RouteCounty Highway 4400
CountyWebster County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.4695, -80.64174
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length42 ft (12.7 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.8 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2018)
Projected traffic32 by 2038
Trucks0%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Route 44 over Birch River built?

It was built in 1992, making it 33 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Route 44 over Birch River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does County Route 44 over Birch River carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is County Route 44 over Birch River?

The structure is 42 ft (12.7 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns County Route 44 over Birch River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.