US Bridges

US 60 East over Elk River

Fair

Kanawha County, West Virginia · 0.01 Mile E of US 119 · Structure no. 00000000020A769

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 2000
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Arch - Thru
Steel
Length
426 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,300
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 60 East over Elk River is a steel arch - thru carrying US 60 East over Elk River in Kanawha County, West Virginia. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 2000, so it is 86 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 fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 5,300 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,565 by 2042. The structure is 426 ft (129.9 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 60 East
CrossesElk River
Location0.01 Mile E of US 119
RouteU.S. Route 60
CountyKanawha County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.358, -81.64087
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length426 ft (129.9 m)
Longest span234 ft (71.3 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deck17 ft (5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,300 (2022)
Projected traffic5,565 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo
Strategic Highway NetworkSTRAHNET connector

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$850,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 60 East over Elk River built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2000.

What condition is US 60 East over Elk River 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does US 60 East over Elk River carry?

About 5,300 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US 60 East over Elk River?

The structure is 426 ft (129.9 m) long with a longest span of 234 ft (71.3 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US 60 East over Elk River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.