US Bridges

Wv 97 over Skin Fork

Fair

Wyoming County, West Virginia · 0.01 MI E of CR 9/5 · Structure no. 00000000055A205

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
33 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wv 97 over Skin Fork is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Wv 97 over Skin Fork in Wyoming County, West Virginia. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 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 2,000 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,200 by 2040. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWv 97
CrossesSkin Fork
Location0.01 MI E of CR 9/5
RouteState Highway 9700
CountyWyoming County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.59515, -81.60311
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,000 (2020)
Projected traffic2,200 by 2040
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Wv 97 over Skin Fork built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is Wv 97 over Skin 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does Wv 97 over Skin Fork carry?

About 2,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Wv 97 over Skin Fork?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Wv 97 over Skin Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.