US Bridges

Harp 901/59 over Laurel Branch

Fair

McDowell County, West Virginia · 0.01 Mile E. of Cr. 52/4 · Structure no. 00000000024A346

Built
2002
23 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
41 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
30
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Harp 901/59 over Laurel Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Harp 901/59 over Laurel Branch in McDowell County, West Virginia. It was built in 2002, so it is 23 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 30 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 32 by 2040. The structure is 41 ft (12.6 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHarp 901/59
CrossesLaurel Branch
Location0.01 Mile E. of Cr. 52/4
CountyMcDowell County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.43371, -81.51203
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating62.9 US tons
Inventory rating38 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length41 ft (12.6 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2020)
Projected traffic32 by 2040
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$375,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Harp 901/59 over Laurel Branch built?

It was built in 2002, making it 23 years old in 2025.

What condition is Harp 901/59 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 2023.

How much traffic does Harp 901/59 over Laurel Branch carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Harp 901/59 over Laurel Branch?

The structure is 41 ft (12.6 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Harp 901/59 over Laurel Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.