US Bridges

US 19 over Bluestone River

Fair

Mercer County, West Virginia · 0.03 MI S of CR 7 · Structure no. 00000000028A187

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
167 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,700
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 19 over Bluestone River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 19 over Bluestone River in Mercer County, West Virginia. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 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 1,700 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,785 by 2040. The structure is 167 ft (50.9 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 19
CrossesBluestone River
Location0.03 MI S of CR 7
RouteU.S. Route 1900
CountyMercer County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates37.43312, -81.11
Functional classRural Major 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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating87 US tons
Inventory rating52 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length167 ft (50.9 m)
Longest span66 ft (20 m)
Deck width33 ft (10 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,700 (2020)
Projected traffic1,785 by 2040
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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 US 19 over Bluestone River built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 19 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 2023.

How much traffic does US 19 over Bluestone River carry?

About 1,700 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is US 19 over Bluestone River?

The structure is 167 ft (50.9 m) long with a longest span of 66 ft (20 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US 19 over Bluestone River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.