US Bridges

CR 53 over I-79 NB & SB

Fair

Kanawha County, West Virginia · 2.52 MI E of CR 43 · Structure no. 00000000020A332

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
391 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR 53 over I-79 NB & SB is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CR 53 over I-79 NB & SB in Kanawha County, West Virginia. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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 500 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 655 by 2043. The structure is 391 ft (119.3 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 53
CrossesI-79 NB & SB
Location2.52 MI E of CR 43
RouteCounty Highway 5300
CountyKanawha County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.47915, -81.46564
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating75.9 US tons
Inventory rating46 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+3 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length391 ft (119.3 m)
Longest span96 ft (29.3 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.2 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic500 (2023)
Projected traffic655 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$1.1 million (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 53 over I-79 NB & SB built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 53 over I-79 NB & SB 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 CR 53 over I-79 NB & SB carry?

About 500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is CR 53 over I-79 NB & SB?

The structure is 391 ft (119.3 m) long with a longest span of 96 ft (29.3 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns CR 53 over I-79 NB & SB?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.