US Bridges

CO 17 over Elkhorn Creek

FairPosted for load

McDowell County, West Virginia · 0.05 MI N of US 52 · Structure no. 00000000024A112

Built
1921
104 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
85 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
650
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO 17 over Elkhorn Creek is a concrete arch - deck carrying CO 17 over Elkhorn Creek in McDowell County, West Virginia. It was built in 1921, so it is 104 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 650 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 683 by 2043. The structure is 85 ft (25.8 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO 17
CrossesElkhorn Creek
Location0.05 MI N of US 52
RouteCounty Highway 1700
CountyMcDowell County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.41481, -81.42805
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
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 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 rating46 US tons
Inventory rating19 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length85 ft (25.8 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic650 (2023)
Projected traffic683 by 2043
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2.3 million (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO 17 over Elkhorn Creek built?

It was built in 1921, making it 104 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO 17 over Elkhorn 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does CO 17 over Elkhorn Creek carry?

About 650 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is CO 17 over Elkhorn Creek?

The structure is 85 ft (25.8 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns CO 17 over Elkhorn Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.