US Bridges

Elk Twp. Road 20L over Puncheon Fork

FairPosted for load

Vinton County, Ohio · .6 Mi. Sw. of Jct. US50 · Structure no. 8232938

Built
1922
103 years old, rebuilt 1977
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
35 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
147
2015 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Elk Twp. Road 20L over Puncheon Fork is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Elk Twp. Road 20L over Puncheon Fork in Vinton County, Ohio. It was built in 1922 and reconstructed in 1977, so it is 103 years old, older than the Ohio average of 47.3 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 147 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 204 by 2035. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long and 19 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesElk Twp. Road 20L
CrossesPuncheon Fork
Location.6 Mi. Sw. of Jct. US50
RouteCounty Highway T020L
CountyVinton County
StateOhio
Coordinates39.25122, -82.50361
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating35.7 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width19 ft (5.9 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic147 (2015)
Projected traffic204 by 2035
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Elk Twp. Road 20L over Puncheon Fork built?

It was built in 1922, making it 103 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1977.

What condition is Elk Twp. Road 20L over Puncheon 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Elk Twp. Road 20L over Puncheon Fork carry?

About 147 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Elk Twp. Road 20L over Puncheon Fork?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 19 ft wide.

Who owns Elk Twp. Road 20L over Puncheon Fork?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.