US Bridges

Wv. 97 over Guyandotte River

Poor

Wyoming County, West Virginia · 0.06 Mi. W. of Cr. 7/5 · Structure no. 00000000055A024

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
259 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,100
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wv. 97 over Guyandotte River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Wv. 97 over Guyandotte River in Wyoming County, West Virginia. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 2,100 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,310 by 2042. The structure is 259 ft (78.9 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWv. 97
CrossesGuyandotte River
Location0.06 Mi. W. of Cr. 7/5
RouteState Highway 9700
CountyWyoming County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.59122, -81.67817
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating81 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 length259 ft (78.9 m)
Longest span110 ft (33.5 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,100 (2022)
Projected traffic2,310 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$5.5 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Wv. 97 over Guyandotte River built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is Wv. 97 over Guyandotte River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in March 2024.

How much traffic does Wv. 97 over Guyandotte River carry?

About 2,100 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Wv. 97 over Guyandotte River?

The structure is 259 ft (78.9 m) long with a longest span of 110 ft (33.5 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns Wv. 97 over Guyandotte River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.