US Bridges

Md 942 over N. Branch Potomac River

Fair

Mineral County, West Virginia · On West Virginia Line · Structure no. 00000000029A084

Built
1953
72 years old, rebuilt 1996
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Arch - Thru
Steel
Length
318 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
7,242
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Md 942 over N. Branch Potomac River is a steel arch - thru carrying Md 942 over N. Branch Potomac River in Mineral County, West Virginia. It was built in 1953 and reconstructed in 1996, so it is 72 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 7,242 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,000 by 2036. The structure is 318 ft (96.9 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMd 942
CrossesN. Branch Potomac River
LocationOn West Virginia Line
RouteState Highway 28
CountyMineral County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates39.64846, -78.76593
Functional classUrban 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length318 ft (96.9 m)
Longest span158 ft (48.2 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck18 ft (5.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,242 (2016)
Projected traffic8,000 by 2036
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Md 942 over N. Branch Potomac River built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1996.

What condition is Md 942 over N. Branch Potomac 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Md 942 over N. Branch Potomac River carry?

About 7,242 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Md 942 over N. Branch Potomac River?

The structure is 318 ft (96.9 m) long with a longest span of 158 ft (48.2 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns Md 942 over N. Branch Potomac River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.