US Bridges

I-79 over I-79

Fair

Braxton County, West Virginia · 0.58 MI N CO 5/11 Sls · Structure no. 00000000004A132

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
382 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
9,600
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-79 over I-79 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-79 over I-79 in Braxton County, West Virginia. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 9,600 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,728 by 2038. The structure is 382 ft (116.5 m) long and 45 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesI-79
CrossesI-79
Location0.58 MI N CO 5/11 Sls
RouteInterstate 7900
CountyBraxton County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.86441, -80.65006
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+3 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length382 ft (116.5 m)
Longest span87 ft (26.5 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.6 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,600 (2018)
Projected traffic13,728 by 2038
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway, waterway and railroad
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 proposedDeck rehabilitation with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$500,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-79 over I-79 built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-79 over I-79 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does I-79 over I-79 carry?

About 9,600 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is I-79 over I-79?

The structure is 382 ft (116.5 m) long with a longest span of 87 ft (26.5 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns I-79 over I-79?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.