US Bridges

US Rt 52 Alt over Elkhorn Creek

Fair

McDowell County, West Virginia · 0.01MI W of US 52 Spur · Structure no. 00000000024A204

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
84 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,200
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US Rt 52 Alt over Elkhorn Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US Rt 52 Alt over Elkhorn Creek in McDowell County, West Virginia. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 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 3,200 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,360 by 2040. The structure is 84 ft (25.6 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS Rt 52 Alt
CrossesElkhorn Creek
Location0.01MI W of US 52 Spur
RouteU.S. Route 5200
CountyMcDowell County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.43059, -81.58555
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2022
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
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 rating86 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length84 ft (25.6 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,200 (2020)
Projected traffic3,360 by 2040
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$1.3 million (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US Rt 52 Alt over Elkhorn Creek built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is US Rt 52 Alt 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 Alt over Elkhorn Creek carry?

About 3,200 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US Rt 52 Alt 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 33 ft wide.

Who owns US Rt 52 Alt over Elkhorn Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.