US Bridges

I-79 SB over Wv 270

Poor

Harrison County, West Virginia · 5.61 MI South Wv Rt 20 · Structure no. 00000000017A242

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
120 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
14,650
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-79 SB over Wv 270 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-79 SB over Wv 270 in Harrison County, West Virginia. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 14,650 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,750 by 2041. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 40 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-79 SB
CrossesWv 270
Location5.61 MI South Wv Rt 20
RouteInterstate 7900
CountyHarrison County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates39.16198, -80.35353
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating72 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.3 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,650 (2019)
Projected traffic18,750 by 2041
Trucks13%
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 proposedDeck replacement with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-79 SB over Wv 270 built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-79 SB over Wv 270 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does I-79 SB over Wv 270 carry?

About 14,650 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is I-79 SB over Wv 270?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns I-79 SB over Wv 270?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.