US Bridges

US 522 over Potomac River CSX Trans

Fair

Morgan County, West Virginia · On West Virginia Line · Structure no. 00000000033A067

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
2,582 ft
16 main spans
Daily traffic
10,930
2010 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 522 over Potomac River CSX Trans is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying US 522 over Potomac River CSX Trans in Morgan County, West Virginia. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 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 6 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 10,930 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,900 by 2030. The structure is 2,582 ft (787 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 522
CrossesPotomac River CSX Trans
LocationOn West Virginia Line
RouteU.S. Route 522
CountyMorgan County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates39.69115, -78.18609
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating45.5 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans16 (+7 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length2,582 ft (787 m)
Longest span196 ft (59.8 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,930 (2010)
Projected traffic12,900 by 2030
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad and waterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$6,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 522 over Potomac River CSX Trans built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 522 over Potomac River CSX Trans 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does US 522 over Potomac River CSX Trans carry?

About 10,930 vehicles per day (2010 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 522 over Potomac River CSX Trans?

The structure is 2,582 ft (787 m) long with a longest span of 196 ft (59.8 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns US 522 over Potomac River CSX Trans?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.