US Bridges

Wv 54 over Slab Fork

Poor

Wyoming County, West Virginia · 0.03 MI S of CR 54/4 · Structure no. 00000000055A085

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
94 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,400
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wv 54 over Slab Fork is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Wv 54 over Slab Fork in Wyoming County, West Virginia. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 3 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 2,400 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,640 by 2040. The structure is 94 ft (28.7 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesWv 54
CrossesSlab Fork
Location0.03 MI S of CR 54/4
RouteState Highway 5400
Coordinates37.59539, -81.37991
Functional classRural Major Collector

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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length94 ft (28.7 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,400 (2020)
Projected traffic2,640 by 2040
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$500,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Wv 54 over Slab Fork built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is Wv 54 over Slab Fork 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Wv 54 over Slab Fork carry?

About 2,400 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Wv 54 over Slab Fork?

The structure is 94 ft (28.7 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Wv 54 over Slab Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.