US Bridges

CR 102/71 over Elkhorn Creek

PoorPosted for load

McDowell County, West Virginia · 0.01 Mi. E. of CR 102/71 · Structure no. 00000000024A185

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
74 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
40
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 102/71 over Elkhorn Creek is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying CR 102/71 over Elkhorn Creek in McDowell County, West Virginia. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 40 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 42 by 2042. The structure is 74 ft (22.6 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesCR 102/71
CrossesElkhorn Creek
Location0.01 Mi. E. of CR 102/71
RouteCounty Highway 10271
Coordinates37.42802, -81.51021
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length74 ft (22.6 m)
Longest span68 ft (20.8 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width16 ft (5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2022)
Projected traffic42 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$700,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 102/71 over Elkhorn Creek built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 102/71 over Elkhorn Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in January 2023.

How much traffic does CR 102/71 over Elkhorn Creek carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is CR 102/71 over Elkhorn Creek?

The structure is 74 ft (22.6 m) long with a longest span of 68 ft (20.8 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns CR 102/71 over Elkhorn Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.