US Bridges

CO 3/2 over Panther Creek

FairPosted for load

McDowell County, West Virginia · 1.83 Mi. N. of CR 5/8 · Structure no. 00000000024A021

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
82 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
90
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO 3/2 over Panther Creek is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying CO 3/2 over Panther Creek in McDowell County, West Virginia. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 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 90 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 95 by 2042. The structure is 82 ft (25.1 m) long and 20 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO 3/2
CrossesPanther Creek
Location1.83 Mi. N. of CR 5/8
RouteCounty Highway 302
CountyMcDowell County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.42355, -81.87096
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating28 US tons
Inventory rating17 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length82 ft (25.1 m)
Longest span39 ft (12 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic90 (2022)
Projected traffic95 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.5 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO 3/2 over Panther Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO 3/2 over Panther Creek 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does CO 3/2 over Panther Creek carry?

About 90 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is CO 3/2 over Panther Creek?

The structure is 82 ft (25.1 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (12 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns CO 3/2 over Panther Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.