US Bridges

US 52 over Spice Creek

PoorPosted for load

McDowell County, West Virginia · 0.52 Mi.E.Of CO 52/47 · Structure no. 00000000024A127

Built
1933
92 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
43 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,200
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 52 over Spice Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 52 over Spice Creek in McDowell County, West Virginia. It was built in 1933, so it is 92 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 3,200 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,360 by 2043. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 52
CrossesSpice Creek
Location0.52 Mi.E.Of CO 52/47
RouteU.S. Route 5200
CountyMcDowell County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.43249, -81.66384
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.8 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.7 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,200 (2023)
Projected traffic3,360 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$750,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 52 over Spice Creek built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 52 over Spice Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in November 2024.

How much traffic does US 52 over Spice Creek carry?

About 3,200 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 52 over Spice Creek?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.8 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns US 52 over Spice Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.