US Bridges

CR 46 over Elk River

Good

Clay County, West Virginia · 0.02 Mi. E. of Wv 4 · Structure no. 00000000008A138

Built
2023
2 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
296 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
400
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 46 over Elk River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CR 46 over Elk River in Clay County, West Virginia. It was built in 2023, so it is 2 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 400 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 644 by 2042. The structure is 296 ft (90.3 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 46
CrossesElk River
Location0.02 Mi. E. of Wv 4
RouteCounty Highway 46
CountyClay County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.53614, -81.03413
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Substructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHL 93
Structure length296 ft (90.3 m)
Longest span113 ft (34.4 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic400 (2022)
Projected traffic644 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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 CR 46 over Elk River built?

It was built in 2023, making it 2 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 46 over Elk 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does CR 46 over Elk River carry?

About 400 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is CR 46 over Elk River?

The structure is 296 ft (90.3 m) long with a longest span of 113 ft (34.4 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns CR 46 over Elk River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.