US Bridges

Wv Rt 16 over Wolfpen Branch

PoorPosted for load

Wyoming County, West Virginia · 0.67 MI N of CR 12/4 · Structure no. 00000000055A063

Built
1946
79 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
49 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,700
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wv Rt 16 over Wolfpen Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Wv Rt 16 over Wolfpen Branch in Wyoming County, West Virginia. It was built in 1946, so it is 79 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,700 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,870 by 2040. The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).

Location

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CarriesWv Rt 16
CrossesWolfpen Branch
Location0.67 MI N of CR 12/4
RouteState Highway 1600
CountyWyoming County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.54343, -81.58278
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 15
Structure length49 ft (14.9 m)
Longest span23 ft (6.9 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,700 (2020)
Projected traffic1,870 by 2040
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.1 mi (34 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$750,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Wv Rt 16 over Wolfpen Branch built?

It was built in 1946, making it 79 years old in 2025.

What condition is Wv Rt 16 over Wolfpen Branch 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Wv Rt 16 over Wolfpen Branch carry?

About 1,700 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Wv Rt 16 over Wolfpen Branch?

The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (6.9 m).

Who owns Wv Rt 16 over Wolfpen Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.