US Bridges

Wv. 16 over Horsepen Creek

Fair

McDowell County, West Virginia · 0.01 Mi. N. of Wv. 16 · Structure no. 00000000024A099

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
54 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,200
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wv. 16 over Horsepen Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Wv. 16 over Horsepen Creek in McDowell County, West Virginia. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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.

It carries about 1,200 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,392 by 2042. The structure is 54 ft (16.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWv. 16
CrossesHorsepen Creek
Location0.01 Mi. N. of Wv. 16
RouteState Highway 1600
CountyMcDowell County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.20758, -81.56332
Functional classRural 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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating52 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length54 ft (16.4 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,200 (2022)
Projected traffic1,392 by 2042
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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 Wv. 16 over Horsepen Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is Wv. 16 over Horsepen 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Wv. 16 over Horsepen Creek carry?

About 1,200 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is Wv. 16 over Horsepen Creek?

The structure is 54 ft (16.4 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m).

Who owns Wv. 16 over Horsepen Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.