US Bridges

Wv 20 over Laurel Creek

FairPosted for load

Mercer County, West Virginia · 0.04 MI S of CR 44/8 · Structure no. 00000000028A077

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
35 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,400
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wv 20 over Laurel Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Wv 20 over Laurel Creek in Mercer County, West Virginia. It was built in 1936, so it is 89 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 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 3,400 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,570 by 2040. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesWv 20
CrossesLaurel Creek
Location0.04 MI S of CR 44/8
RouteState Highway 2000
CountyMercer County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.43654, -81.00455
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,400 (2020)
Projected traffic3,570 by 2040
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$550,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Wv 20 over Laurel Creek built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025.

What condition is Wv 20 over Laurel Creek 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Wv 20 over Laurel Creek carry?

About 3,400 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Wv 20 over Laurel Creek?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m).

Who owns Wv 20 over Laurel Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.