US Bridges

CO 20/9 over Bluestone River

PoorPosted for load

Mercer County, West Virginia · 0.02 MI E of CR 120 · Structure no. 00000000028A082

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1979
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
91 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
90
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO 20/9 over Bluestone River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CO 20/9 over Bluestone River in Mercer County, West Virginia. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1979, so it is 85 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 3 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 90 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 108 by 2042. The structure is 91 ft (27.8 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesCO 20/9
CrossesBluestone River
Location0.02 MI E of CR 120
RouteCounty Highway 2009
CountyMercer County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.32334, -81.32714
Functional classRural Local

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
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.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length91 ft (27.8 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width13 ft (3.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic90 (2022)
Projected traffic108 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$2 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO 20/9 over Bluestone River built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1979.

What condition is CO 20/9 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does CO 20/9 over Bluestone River carry?

About 90 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is CO 20/9 over Bluestone River?

The structure is 91 ft (27.8 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns CO 20/9 over Bluestone River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.