US Bridges

I-79 NB & SB over Murphy Fk of Big Otter C

Fair

Clay County, West Virginia · 5.47 MI N of Wv 36 · Structure no. 00000000008A092

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel Continuous
Length
46 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
16,300
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-79 NB & SB over Murphy Fk of Big Otter C is a steel continuous culvert carrying I-79 NB & SB over Murphy Fk of Big Otter C 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 16,300 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,309 by 2042. The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-79 NB & SB
CrossesMurphy Fk of Big Otter C
Location5.47 MI N of Wv 36
RouteInterstate 79
CountyClay County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.59803, -81.05036
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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 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
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length46 ft (14 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,300 (2022)
Projected traffic23,309 by 2042
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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$150,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-79 NB & SB over Murphy Fk of Big Otter C built?

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

What condition is I-79 NB & SB over Murphy Fk of Big Otter C 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does I-79 NB & SB over Murphy Fk of Big Otter C carry?

About 16,300 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is I-79 NB & SB over Murphy Fk of Big Otter C?

The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m).

Who owns I-79 NB & SB over Murphy Fk of Big Otter C?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.