US Bridges

Usr 20 over West Branch Black River

Good

Lorain County, Ohio · 5.49 Miles East of SR 58 · Structure no. 4701976

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
267 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,567
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Usr 20 over West Branch Black River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Usr 20 over West Branch Black River in Lorain County, Ohio. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 years old, younger than the Ohio average of 47.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 7,567 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,503 by 2035. The structure is 267 ft (81.4 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUsr 20
CrossesWest Branch Black River
Location5.49 Miles East of SR 58
RouteU.S. Route 20
StateOhio
Coordinates41.31145, -82.13335
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39.2 US tons
Inventory rating28.5 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length267 ft (81.4 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,567 (2015)
Projected traffic10,503 by 2035
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Usr 20 over West Branch Black River built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is Usr 20 over West Branch Black River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2023.

How much traffic does Usr 20 over West Branch Black River carry?

About 7,567 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is Usr 20 over West Branch Black River?

The structure is 267 ft (81.4 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns Usr 20 over West Branch Black River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.