US Bridges

Us. 52 over Elkhorn Creek

Fair

McDowell County, West Virginia · 0.10 Mi. W. of Cr. 6 · Structure no. 00000000024A137

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
84 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,100
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Us. 52 over Elkhorn Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Us. 52 over Elkhorn Creek in McDowell County, West Virginia. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 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 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 3,100 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,255 by 2042. The structure is 84 ft (25.6 m) long and 37 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUs. 52
CrossesElkhorn Creek
Location0.10 Mi. W. of Cr. 6
RouteU.S. Route 5200
CountyMcDowell County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.4156, -81.44497
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating70 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length84 ft (25.6 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.4 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,100 (2022)
Projected traffic3,255 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 Elkhorn Creek built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Us. 52 over Elkhorn Creek carry?

About 3,100 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Us. 52 over Elkhorn Creek?

The structure is 84 ft (25.6 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns Us. 52 over Elkhorn Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.