US Bridges

US 52 Alternate over Elkhorn Creek

Fair

McDowell County, West Virginia · 0.04 Mi. E.Of Wv 16 · Structure no. 00000000024A139

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
69 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,400
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 52 Alternate over Elkhorn Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 52 Alternate over Elkhorn Creek in McDowell County, West Virginia. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 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 3,400 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,570 by 2043. The structure is 69 ft (21.1 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 52 Alternate
CrossesElkhorn Creek
Location0.04 Mi. E.Of Wv 16
RouteU.S. Route 5200
CountyMcDowell County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.43211, -81.58299
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionAugust 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating86 US tons
Inventory rating51 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length69 ft (21.1 m)
Longest span64 ft (19.5 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.2 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,400 (2023)
Projected traffic3,570 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 Alternate over Elkhorn Creek built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 52 Alternate 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 August 2024.

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

About 3,400 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 52 Alternate over Elkhorn Creek?

The structure is 69 ft (21.1 m) long with a longest span of 64 ft (19.5 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 52 Alternate over Elkhorn Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.