US Bridges

CR 120 over Bluestone River

PoorPosted for load

Mercer County, West Virginia · 0.02 MI N of CR 20/20 · Structure no. 00000000028A075

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
117 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
500
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 120 over Bluestone River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CR 120 over Bluestone River in Mercer County, West Virginia. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 years old, older 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 500 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 600 by 2040. The structure is 117 ft (35.7 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

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CarriesCR 120
CrossesBluestone River
Location0.02 MI N of CR 20/20
RouteCounty Highway 12000
CountyMercer County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.32404, -81.31173
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating28 US tons
Inventory rating17 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 15
Structure length117 ft (35.7 m)
Longest span63 ft (19.2 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic500 (2020)
Projected traffic600 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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$300,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 120 over Bluestone River built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 120 over Bluestone River 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does CR 120 over Bluestone River carry?

About 500 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is CR 120 over Bluestone River?

The structure is 117 ft (35.7 m) long with a longest span of 63 ft (19.2 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns CR 120 over Bluestone River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.