US Bridges

US 52 over Tug Fork

Fair

McDowell County, West Virginia · 0.03 MI W of Wv 103 · Structure no. 00000000024A129

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
86 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,300
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 52 over Tug Fork is a concrete arch - deck carrying US 52 over Tug Fork in McDowell County, West Virginia. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 5,300 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,565 by 2043. The structure is 86 ft (26.1 m) long and 72 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 52
CrossesTug Fork
Location0.03 MI W of Wv 103
RouteU.S. Route 5200
CountyMcDowell County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.41709, -81.58998
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating94 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length86 ft (26.1 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width72 ft (22 m)
Roadway width56 ft (17.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,300 (2023)
Projected traffic5,565 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 52 over Tug Fork built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 52 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does US 52 over Tug Fork carry?

About 5,300 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 52 over Tug Fork?

The structure is 86 ft (26.1 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 72 ft wide.

Who owns US 52 over Tug Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.