US Bridges

Harp Route 902/49 over Clear Fork

Poor

McDowell County, West Virginia · 0.12 MI South of CO 2 · Structure no. 00000000024A350

Built
2003
22 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
30
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Harp Route 902/49 over Clear Fork is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Harp Route 902/49 over Clear Fork in McDowell County, West Virginia. It was built in 2003, so it is 22 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 30 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 32 by 2040. The structure is 31 ft (9.5 m) long and 16 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesHarp Route 902/49
CrossesClear Fork
Location0.12 MI South of CO 2
CountyMcDowell County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.38845, -81.66129
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating68 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.5 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.8 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 and pedestrian
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 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Harp Route 902/49 over Clear Fork built?

It was built in 2003, making it 22 years old in 2025.

What condition is Harp Route 902/49 over Clear Fork in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in August 2023.

How much traffic does Harp Route 902/49 over Clear Fork carry?

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

How long is Harp Route 902/49 over Clear Fork?

The structure is 31 ft (9.5 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Harp Route 902/49 over Clear Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.