US Bridges

US 52 over Spice Creek

Fair

McDowell County, West Virginia · 0.03 Mile West of CO 7 · Structure no. 00000000024A295

Built
2001
24 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
46 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,400
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 52 over Spice Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying US 52 over Spice Creek in McDowell County, West Virginia. It was built in 2001, so it is 24 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 2,400 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,520 by 2042. The structure is 46 ft (13.9 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 52
CrossesSpice Creek
Location0.03 Mile West of CO 7
RouteU.S. Route 5200
CountyMcDowell County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.44485, -81.70245
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating68 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckOther
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length46 ft (13.9 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.1 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,400 (2022)
Projected traffic2,520 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$400,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 52 over Spice Creek built?

It was built in 2001, making it 24 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 52 over Spice 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does US 52 over Spice Creek carry?

About 2,400 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 52 over Spice Creek?

The structure is 46 ft (13.9 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns US 52 over Spice Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.