US Bridges

West Virginia 20 over South Fork Fishing Creek

Fair

Wetzel County, West Virginia · 0.02 Mi. North JCT CR15 · Structure no. 00000000052A137

Built
2003
22 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
230 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,900
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

West Virginia 20 over South Fork Fishing Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying West Virginia 20 over South Fork Fishing Creek in Wetzel County, West Virginia. It was built in 2003, so it is 22 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 2,900 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,119 by 2040. The structure is 230 ft (70 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 70.2 mi (113 km).

Location

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CarriesWest Virginia 20
CrossesSouth Fork Fishing Creek
Location0.02 Mi. North JCT CR15
RouteState Highway 20
CountyWetzel County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates39.5625, -80.67731
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionSeptember 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating89 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+4 approach)
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length230 ft (70 m)
Longest span54 ft (16.4 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,900 (2020)
Projected traffic6,119 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed70.2 mi (113 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was West Virginia 20 over South Fork Fishing Creek built?

It was built in 2003, making it 22 years old in 2025.

What condition is West Virginia 20 over South Fork 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does West Virginia 20 over South Fork Fishing Creek carry?

About 2,900 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is West Virginia 20 over South Fork Fishing Creek?

The structure is 230 ft (70 m) long with a longest span of 54 ft (16.4 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns West Virginia 20 over South Fork Fishing Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.