US Bridges

West Virginia 7 over Fishing Creek

Fair

Wetzel County, West Virginia · 0.11 Mi. East Jct. CR 32 · Structure no. 00000000052A010

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
278 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,900
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

West Virginia 7 over Fishing Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying West Virginia 7 over Fishing Creek in Wetzel County, West Virginia. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 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 3,900 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,343 by 2040. The structure is 278 ft (84.6 m) long and 51 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWest Virginia 7
CrossesFishing Creek
Location0.11 Mi. East Jct. CR 32
RouteState Highway 7
CountyWetzel County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates39.61656, -80.8451
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating80 US tons
Inventory rating48 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length278 ft (84.6 m)
Longest span106 ft (32.3 m)
Deck width51 ft (15.4 m)
Roadway width47 ft (14.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,900 (2020)
Projected traffic5,343 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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 proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$636,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was West Virginia 7 over Fishing Creek built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is West Virginia 7 over Fishing Creek 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does West Virginia 7 over Fishing Creek carry?

About 3,900 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is West Virginia 7 over Fishing Creek?

The structure is 278 ft (84.6 m) long with a longest span of 106 ft (32.3 m) and a deck 51 ft wide.

Who owns West Virginia 7 over Fishing Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.