US Bridges

CO 16/39 over Browns Creek

Fair

McDowell County, West Virginia · 0.01 MI South of Wv 16 · Structure no. 00000000024A275

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
450
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO 16/39 over Browns Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CO 16/39 over Browns Creek in McDowell County, West Virginia. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 95 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 450 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 473 by 2042. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 20 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO 16/39
CrossesBrowns Creek
Location0.01 MI South of Wv 16
RouteCounty Highway 1639
CountyMcDowell County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.43982, -81.57545
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.
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating83 US tons
Inventory rating50 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.3 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic450 (2022)
Projected traffic473 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$350,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO 16/39 over Browns Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is CO 16/39 over Browns 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does CO 16/39 over Browns Creek carry?

About 450 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is CO 16/39 over Browns Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.3 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns CO 16/39 over Browns Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.