US Bridges

Harp 966 over Elkhorn Creek

PoorPosted for load

McDowell County, West Virginia · 0.01 Mile S of CR 52/20 · Structure no. 00000000024A366

Built
2010
15 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
26 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
30
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Harp 966 over Elkhorn Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Harp 966 over Elkhorn Creek in McDowell County, West Virginia. It was built in 2010, so it is 15 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 30 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 32 by 2042. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 15 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHarp 966
CrossesElkhorn Creek
Location0.01 Mile S of CR 52/20
CountyMcDowell County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.38588, -81.41646
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating28 US tons
Inventory rating16 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span23 ft (7.1 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.7 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2022)
Projected traffic32 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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$225,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Harp 966 over Elkhorn Creek built?

It was built in 2010, making it 15 years old in 2025.

What condition is Harp 966 over Elkhorn Creek 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Harp 966 over Elkhorn Creek carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Harp 966 over Elkhorn Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7.1 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns Harp 966 over Elkhorn Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.