US Bridges

US 52 over Laurel Branch

Good

McDowell County, West Virginia · 0.02 MI W of CR 52/6 · Structure no. 00000000024A385

Built
2022
3 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Single or Spread
Prestressed Concrete
Length
37 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,100
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 52 over Laurel Branch is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - single or spread carrying US 52 over Laurel Branch in McDowell County, West Virginia. It was built in 2022, so it is 3 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 3,100 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,255 by 2040. The structure is 37 ft (11.4 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 52
CrossesLaurel Branch
Location0.02 MI W of CR 52/6
RouteU.S. Route 5200
CountyMcDowell County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.42968, -81.50831
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating58 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Single or Spread
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length37 ft (11.4 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,100 (2020)
Projected traffic3,255 by 2040
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 52 over Laurel Branch built?

It was built in 2022, making it 3 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 52 over Laurel Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in March 2023.

How much traffic does US 52 over Laurel Branch carry?

About 3,100 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 52 over Laurel Branch?

The structure is 37 ft (11.4 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns US 52 over Laurel Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.