US Bridges

I-79 SB over I-77 NB

Fair

Kanawha County, West Virginia · 0.10 MI N of I-77 · Structure no. 00000000020A490

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
346 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
23,100
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-79 SB over I-77 NB is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-79 SB over I-77 NB 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 23,100 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 36,036 by 2040. The structure is 346 ft (105.6 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesI-79 SB
CrossesI-77 NB
Location0.10 MI N of I-77
RouteInterstate 79
CountyKanawha County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.37541, -81.60594
Functional classUrban 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.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length346 ft (105.6 m)
Longest span148 ft (45.1 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.5 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic23,100 (2020)
Projected traffic36,036 by 2040
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
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$850,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-79 SB over I-77 NB built?

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

What condition is I-79 SB over I-77 NB 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 SB over I-77 NB carry?

About 23,100 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is I-79 SB over I-77 NB?

The structure is 346 ft (105.6 m) long with a longest span of 148 ft (45.1 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns I-79 SB over I-77 NB?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.