BIG ROOT BRIDGE REPLACEMENT UNDERWAY - "Junk Stump Bridge" On Rt. 7 Among Worst

(09/22/2003)

A second of Calhoun's worst rated bridges is being replaced.

The old Big Root I-beam bridge built in 1960 on Co. Rt. 10 is being replaced by a new structure. It is among about ten Calhoun bridges that have marginal safety ratings, according to the West Virginia Department of Highways.

Calhoun's worst rated bridge is now being replaced on Lemuel's Run (Bryner Road).

The rating system measures several factors for a safety rating, zero being the worst and 100 being the best.

A bridge that is in serious trouble is the "Junk Stump Bridge" (Route 7) at Steer Creek with a rating of 21.2778. The bridge was built in 1915. It is the the oldest bridge on the list.

Other bridges that appear to have some problems are in the 50 to 60 range:

Cole Run Culvert (1950) Co. Rt. 2 - 55.2754

Yellow Creek Bridge (1963) Co. Rt. 4 - 61.5256

Henrietta Bridge/Laurel Creek (1940) Route 5 - 50.6749

Walnut Grove Slab/Left Fork Barnes Run (1920) Co. Rt. 7 - 50.9017