US Bridges

County Route 16 over Norfolk & Southern RR

Fair

Mercer County, West Virginia · 0.01 Mi. N. of Cr. 16/4 · Structure no. 00000000028A050

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
86 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,100
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Route 16 over Norfolk & Southern RR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Route 16 over Norfolk & Southern RR in Mercer County, West Virginia. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 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 1,100 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,320 by 2042. The structure is 86 ft (26.3 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Route 16
CrossesNorfolk & Southern RR
Location0.01 Mi. N. of Cr. 16/4
RouteCounty Highway 1600
CountyMercer County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.39593, -81.08554
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating85 US tons
Inventory rating50 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length86 ft (26.3 m)
Longest span82 ft (25.1 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,100 (2022)
Projected traffic1,320 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$250,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was County Route 16 over Norfolk & Southern RR built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Route 16 over Norfolk & Southern RR 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does County Route 16 over Norfolk & Southern RR carry?

About 1,100 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is County Route 16 over Norfolk & Southern RR?

The structure is 86 ft (26.3 m) long with a longest span of 82 ft (25.1 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns County Route 16 over Norfolk & Southern RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.