US Bridges

I-79 Sbl over WV16

Fair

Clay County, West Virginia · 5.88 MI N of Wv 36 · Structure no. 00000000008A071

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
332 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
8,600
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-79 Sbl over WV16 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-79 Sbl over WV16 in Clay County, West Virginia. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 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 8,600 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,298 by 2040. The structure is 332 ft (101.1 m) long and 45 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-79 Sbl
CrossesWV16
Location5.88 MI N of Wv 36
RouteInterstate 7900
CountyClay County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.59621, -81.0424
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 2024
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 rating61.9 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+3 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length332 ft (101.1 m)
Longest span92 ft (27.9 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.6 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,600 (2020)
Projected traffic12,298 by 2040
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-79 Sbl over WV16 built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-79 Sbl over WV16 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 2024.

How much traffic does I-79 Sbl over WV16 carry?

About 8,600 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is I-79 Sbl over WV16?

The structure is 332 ft (101.1 m) long with a longest span of 92 ft (27.9 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns I-79 Sbl over WV16?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.