US Bridges

CR 55/20 over Lost River

PoorPosted for load

Hardy County, West Virginia · 0.47 MI E of CR 23/9 Sls · Structure no. 00000000016A063

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1994
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
144 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
80
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 55/20 over Lost River is a steel truss - thru carrying CR 55/20 over Lost River in Hardy County, West Virginia. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1994, so it is 94 years old, older than the West Virginia average of 44.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 80 vehicles a day, projected to reach 103 by 2040. The structure is 144 ft (44 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 55/20
CrossesLost River
Location0.47 MI E of CR 23/9 Sls
RouteCounty Highway 5520
CountyHardy County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates39.06478, -78.65517
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating42 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckClosed grating
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length144 ft (44 m)
Longest span140 ft (42.7 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck14 ft (4.1 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic80 (2020)
Projected traffic103 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 55/20 over Lost River built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1994.

What condition is CR 55/20 over Lost River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in May 2023.

How much traffic does CR 55/20 over Lost River carry?

About 80 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is CR 55/20 over Lost River?

The structure is 144 ft (44 m) long with a longest span of 140 ft (42.7 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns CR 55/20 over Lost River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.