US Bridges

County Route 26 over Elk River

Poor

Webster County, West Virginia · 1.89 MI W of CO 26/8 · Structure no. 00000000051A050

Built
1923
102 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
194 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
250
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Route 26 over Elk River is a concrete arch - deck carrying County Route 26 over Elk River in Webster County, West Virginia. It was built in 1923, so it is 102 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 250 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 260 by 2038. The structure is 194 ft (59 m) long and 16 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Route 26
CrossesElk River
Location1.89 MI W of CO 26/8
RouteCounty Highway 2600
CountyWebster County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.50551, -80.32832
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating18 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length194 ft (59 m)
Longest span62 ft (18.9 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic250 (2018)
Projected traffic260 by 2038
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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$1.4 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Route 26 over Elk River built?

It was built in 1923, making it 102 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Route 26 over Elk River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in June 2023.

How much traffic does County Route 26 over Elk River carry?

About 250 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is County Route 26 over Elk River?

The structure is 194 ft (59 m) long with a longest span of 62 ft (18.9 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns County Route 26 over Elk River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.