US Bridges

US Rt 52 over Elkhorn Creek

Fair

McDowell County, West Virginia · 0.03 MI E of CR 52/13 · Structure no. 00000000024A134

Built
1991
34 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
165 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,100
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US Rt 52 over Elkhorn Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US Rt 52 over Elkhorn Creek in McDowell County, West Virginia. It was built in 1991, so it is 34 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 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 3,100 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,255 by 2040. The structure is 165 ft (50.3 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS Rt 52
CrossesElkhorn Creek
Location0.03 MI E of CR 52/13
RouteU.S. Route 5200
CountyMcDowell County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.4107, -81.4715
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionDecember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating69 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length165 ft (50.3 m)
Longest span156 ft (47.5 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,100 (2020)
Projected traffic3,255 by 2040
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.1 mi (34 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$2.5 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US Rt 52 over Elkhorn Creek built?

It was built in 1991, making it 34 years old in 2025.

What condition is US Rt 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 December 2022.

How much traffic does US Rt 52 over Elkhorn Creek carry?

About 3,100 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US Rt 52 over Elkhorn Creek?

The structure is 165 ft (50.3 m) long with a longest span of 156 ft (47.5 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns US Rt 52 over Elkhorn Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.