US Bridges

County Route 52/4 over Laurel Branch

Fair

McDowell County, West Virginia · 0.05 Mi.S. of Cr. 52/6 · Structure no. 00000000024A221

Built
1981
44 years old, rebuilt 2012
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
41 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Route 52/4 over Laurel Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Route 52/4 over Laurel Branch in McDowell County, West Virginia. It was built in 1981 and reconstructed in 2012, so it is 44 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 100 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 105 by 2042. The structure is 41 ft (12.4 m) long and 15 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesCounty Route 52/4
CrossesLaurel Branch
Location0.05 Mi.S. of Cr. 52/6
RouteCounty Highway 5204
CountyMcDowell County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.43913, -81.50998
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating65 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length41 ft (12.4 m)
Longest span36 ft (11.1 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.6 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2022)
Projected traffic105 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 County Route 52/4 over Laurel Branch built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2012.

What condition is County Route 52/4 over Laurel Branch 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does County Route 52/4 over Laurel Branch carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is County Route 52/4 over Laurel Branch?

The structure is 41 ft (12.4 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11.1 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns County Route 52/4 over Laurel Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.