US Bridges

West Virginia 5 over Little Kanawha River

Fair

Wirt County, West Virginia · 0.14 Mile East of Wv 53 · Structure no. 00000000053A059

Built
2001
24 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
539 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,100
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

West Virginia 5 over Little Kanawha River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying West Virginia 5 over Little Kanawha River in Wirt 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 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 3,100 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,092 by 2042. The structure is 539 ft (164.3 m) long and 40 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWest Virginia 5
CrossesLittle Kanawha River
Location0.14 Mile East of Wv 53
RouteState Highway 5
CountyWirt County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates39.05512, -81.39044
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating89.9 US tons
Inventory rating54 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 length539 ft (164.3 m)
Longest span210 ft (64.1 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.3 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,100 (2022)
Projected traffic4,092 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$1.5 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was West Virginia 5 over Little Kanawha River built?

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

What condition is West Virginia 5 over Little Kanawha 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does West Virginia 5 over Little Kanawha River carry?

About 3,100 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is West Virginia 5 over Little Kanawha River?

The structure is 539 ft (164.3 m) long with a longest span of 210 ft (64.1 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns West Virginia 5 over Little Kanawha River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.