US Bridges

US 52 over Bottom Creek

Fair

McDowell County, West Virginia · 0.03 MI W of CR 52/8 · Structure no. 00000000024A132

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 52 over Bottom Creek is a concrete slab carrying US 52 over Bottom Creek in McDowell County, West Virginia. It was built in 1932, so it is 93 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 3,500 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,675 by 2043. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 38 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 52
CrossesBottom Creek
Location0.03 MI W of CR 52/8
RouteU.S. Route 5200
CountyMcDowell County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.41935, -81.49704
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.
Substructure5 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 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 adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating70 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span26 ft (8 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.5 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,500 (2023)
Projected traffic3,675 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$600,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 52 over Bottom Creek built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 52 over Bottom 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 US 52 over Bottom Creek carry?

About 3,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 52 over Bottom Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (8 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns US 52 over Bottom Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.