US Bridges

Wv 97 over Slab Fork

Fair

Wyoming County, West Virginia · 0.05 MI W of Wv 54 · Structure no. 00000000055A102

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
135 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,800
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wv 97 over Slab Fork is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Wv 97 over Slab Fork in Wyoming County, West Virginia. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 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 2,800 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,080 by 2040. The structure is 135 ft (41.1 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.8 mi (48 km).

Location

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CarriesWv 97
CrossesSlab Fork
Location0.05 MI W of Wv 54
RouteState Highway 9700
CountyWyoming County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.63813, -81.39273
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionApril 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating63.9 US tons
Inventory rating38 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length135 ft (41.1 m)
Longest span65 ft (19.8 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,800 (2020)
Projected traffic3,080 by 2040
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.8 mi (48 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$1.8 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Wv 97 over Slab Fork built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is Wv 97 over Slab Fork 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 2023.

How much traffic does Wv 97 over Slab Fork carry?

About 2,800 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Wv 97 over Slab Fork?

The structure is 135 ft (41.1 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.8 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Wv 97 over Slab Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.