US Bridges

US 52 over Elkhorn Creek

Fair

McDowell County, West Virginia · 0.11 Mi. W. of CR 10 · Structure no. 00000000024A138

Built
1936
89 years old, rebuilt 1950
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,500
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 52 over Elkhorn Creek is a concrete slab carrying US 52 over Elkhorn Creek in McDowell County, West Virginia. It was built in 1936 and reconstructed in 1950, so it is 89 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 2040. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 47 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 52
CrossesElkhorn Creek
Location0.11 Mi. W. of CR 10
RouteU.S. Route 5200
CountyMcDowell County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.36903, -81.36817
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating70 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.8 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,500 (2020)
Projected traffic3,675 by 2040
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$450,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 52 over Elkhorn Creek built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1950.

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 September 2023.

How much traffic does US 52 over Elkhorn Creek carry?

About 3,500 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 52 over Elkhorn Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.8 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 52 over Elkhorn Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.