US Bridges

CO 52/6 over Laurel Branch

Fair

McDowell County, West Virginia · 0.59 MI North of CO 52/35 · Structure no. 00000000024A320

Built
2009
16 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Frame
Prestressed Concrete
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
300
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO 52/6 over Laurel Branch is a prestressed concrete frame carrying CO 52/6 over Laurel Branch in McDowell County, West Virginia. It was built in 2009, so it is 16 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 300 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 315 by 2040. The structure is 28 ft (8.6 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 26.1 mi (42 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO 52/6
CrossesLaurel Branch
Location0.59 MI North of CO 52/35
RouteCounty Highway 5206
CountyMcDowell County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.44841, -81.51374
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeFrame
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckOther
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length28 ft (8.6 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width23 ft (6.9 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic300 (2020)
Projected traffic315 by 2040
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed26.1 mi (42 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$350,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO 52/6 over Laurel Branch built?

It was built in 2009, making it 16 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO 52/6 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does CO 52/6 over Laurel Branch carry?

About 300 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is CO 52/6 over Laurel Branch?

The structure is 28 ft (8.6 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns CO 52/6 over Laurel Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.