US Bridges

I-79 Sbl over Co. 21

Fair

Braxton County, West Virginia · 3.33 MI S US 19 · Structure no. 00000000004A110

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
138 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,750
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-79 Sbl over Co. 21 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-79 Sbl over Co. 21 in Braxton County, West Virginia. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 5,750 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,223 by 2038. The structure is 138 ft (42.2 m) long and 45 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-79 Sbl
CrossesCo. 21
Location3.33 MI S US 19
RouteInterstate 7900
CountyBraxton County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.60839, -80.81456
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.9 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length138 ft (42.2 m)
Longest span46 ft (14.1 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.6 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,750 (2018)
Projected traffic8,223 by 2038
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$650,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-79 Sbl over Co. 21 built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-79 Sbl over Co. 21 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does I-79 Sbl over Co. 21 carry?

About 5,750 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is I-79 Sbl over Co. 21?

The structure is 138 ft (42.2 m) long with a longest span of 46 ft (14.1 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns I-79 Sbl over Co. 21?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.