US Bridges

CO 52/21 over Tug Fork

Fair

McDowell County, West Virginia · 0.01 Mi.N.Of US 52 · Structure no. 00000000024A208

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
171 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
150
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO 52/21 over Tug Fork is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CO 52/21 over Tug Fork in McDowell County, West Virginia. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 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 150 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 158 by 2043. The structure is 171 ft (52.2 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesCO 52/21
CrossesTug Fork
Location0.01 Mi.N.Of US 52
RouteCounty Highway 5221
CountyMcDowell County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.47546, -81.77674
Functional classRural Local

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating73 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length171 ft (52.2 m)
Longest span83 ft (25.3 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.2 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic150 (2023)
Projected traffic158 by 2043
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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 CO 52/21 over Tug Fork built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO 52/21 over Tug Fork 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 CO 52/21 over Tug Fork carry?

About 150 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is CO 52/21 over Tug Fork?

The structure is 171 ft (52.2 m) long with a longest span of 83 ft (25.3 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns CO 52/21 over Tug Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.