US Bridges

Wv 20 over Elk River

FairPosted for load

Webster County, West Virginia · 0.20 MI S of Wv 15 · Structure no. 00000000051A035

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
144 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,100
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wv 20 over Elk River is a steel truss - thru carrying Wv 20 over Elk River in Webster County, West Virginia. It was built in 1932, so it is 93 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 2,100 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,205 by 2038. The structure is 144 ft (44 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWv 20
CrossesElk River
Location0.20 MI S of Wv 15
RouteState Highway 2000
CountyWebster County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.47889, -80.41638
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckClosed grating
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length144 ft (44 m)
Longest span140 ft (42.7 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck14 ft (4.3 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,100 (2018)
Projected traffic2,205 by 2038
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 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$2.6 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Wv 20 over Elk River built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025.

What condition is Wv 20 over Elk 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Wv 20 over Elk River carry?

About 2,100 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is Wv 20 over Elk River?

The structure is 144 ft (44 m) long with a longest span of 140 ft (42.7 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Wv 20 over Elk River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.