US Bridges

County Route 15 over Bluestone River

Fair

Mercer County, West Virginia · 0.01 Mi. E. of CR 15/14 · Structure no. 00000000028A045

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
105 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
150
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Route 15 over Bluestone River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Route 15 over Bluestone River in Mercer County, West Virginia. It was built in 1982, so it is 43 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 150 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 180 by 2042. The structure is 105 ft (31.9 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Route 15
CrossesBluestone River
Location0.01 Mi. E. of CR 15/14
RouteCounty Highway 1500
CountyMercer County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.33904, -81.26974
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
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2024
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating82 US tons
Inventory rating48.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length105 ft (31.9 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic150 (2022)
Projected traffic180 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Route 15 over Bluestone River built?

It was built in 1982, making it 43 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Route 15 over Bluestone River 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does County Route 15 over Bluestone River carry?

About 150 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is County Route 15 over Bluestone River?

The structure is 105 ft (31.9 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns County Route 15 over Bluestone River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.