US Bridges

US 52 over Elkhorn Creek

Fair

McDowell County, West Virginia · 0.36 MI W of CR 52/13 · Structure no. 00000000024A133

Built
1976
49 years old, rebuilt 2021
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
135 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,200
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 52 over Elkhorn Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 52 over Elkhorn Creek in McDowell County, West Virginia. It was built in 1976 and reconstructed in 2021, so it is 49 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 6 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 3,200 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,360 by 2043. The structure is 135 ft (41 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 52
CrossesElkhorn Creek
Location0.36 MI W of CR 52/13
RouteU.S. Route 5200
CountyMcDowell County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.413, -81.47696
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating68 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length135 ft (41 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.7 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.5 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 and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.8 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 52 over Elkhorn Creek built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2021.

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

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

How long is US 52 over Elkhorn Creek?

The structure is 135 ft (41 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns US 52 over Elkhorn Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.