US Bridges

CO 52/73 over Tug Fork

Fair

McDowell County, West Virginia · 0.01 Mi. W. of WV80 · Structure no. 00000000024A122

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
175 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,600
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO 52/73 over Tug Fork is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CO 52/73 over Tug Fork in McDowell County, West Virginia. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 years old, younger 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 1,600 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,995 by 2042. The structure is 175 ft (53.2 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 52.2 mi (84 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO 52/73
CrossesTug Fork
Location0.01 Mi. W. of WV80
RouteCounty Highway 5273
CountyMcDowell County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.46438, -81.81431
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 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
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating61 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length175 ft (53.2 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,600 (2022)
Projected traffic1,995 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed52.2 mi (84 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 CO 52/73 over Tug Fork built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO 52/73 over Tug Fork 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 2024.

How much traffic does CO 52/73 over Tug Fork carry?

About 1,600 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is CO 52/73 over Tug Fork?

The structure is 175 ft (53.2 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns CO 52/73 over Tug Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.