US Bridges

West Virginia 7 over Knob Fork

FairPosted for load

Wetzel County, West Virginia · 0.40 Mi. West JCT CR 7/14 · Structure no. 00000000052A019

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,300
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

West Virginia 7 over Knob Fork is a concrete slab carrying West Virginia 7 over Knob Fork in Wetzel County, West Virginia. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,300 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,820 by 2040. The structure is 32 ft (9.9 m) long and 33 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesWest Virginia 7
CrossesKnob Fork
Location0.40 Mi. West JCT CR 7/14
RouteState Highway 7
CountyWetzel County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates39.6465, -80.5514
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.
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 inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.9 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,300 (2020)
Projected traffic1,820 by 2040
Trucks8%
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$653,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was West Virginia 7 over Knob Fork built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is West Virginia 7 over Knob Fork 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does West Virginia 7 over Knob Fork carry?

About 1,300 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is West Virginia 7 over Knob Fork?

The structure is 32 ft (9.9 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns West Virginia 7 over Knob Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.