US Bridges

CO 52/6 over Bluestone River

Fair

Mercer County, West Virginia · 0.68 Mi. E. of Wv. 102 · Structure no. 00000000028A107

Built
1934
91 years old, rebuilt 2024
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
61 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
250
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO 52/6 over Bluestone River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CO 52/6 over Bluestone River in Mercer County, West Virginia. It was built in 1934 and reconstructed in 2024, so it is 91 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.

It carries about 250 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 300 by 2042. The structure is 61 ft (18.7 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesCO 52/6
CrossesBluestone River
Location0.68 Mi. E. of Wv. 102
RouteCounty Highway 5206
CountyMercer County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.30535, -81.29659
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating59 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length61 ft (18.7 m)
Longest span59 ft (18 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.4 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic250 (2022)
Projected traffic300 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO 52/6 over Bluestone River built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2024.

What condition is CO 52/6 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does CO 52/6 over Bluestone River carry?

About 250 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is CO 52/6 over Bluestone River?

The structure is 61 ft (18.7 m) long with a longest span of 59 ft (18 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns CO 52/6 over Bluestone River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.