US Bridges

I-79 SB over I-77 NB

Fair

Kanawha County, West Virginia · 0.22 MI N of I-77 · Structure no. 00000000020A492

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
339 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
12,292
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 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 12,292 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,176 by 2040. The structure is 339 ft (103.4 m) long and 45 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-79 SB
CrossesI-77 NB
Location0.22 MI N of I-77
RouteInterstate 79
CountyKanawha County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.37675, -81.60504
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating73 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length339 ft (103.4 m)
Longest span130 ft (39.6 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.6 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,292 (2020)
Projected traffic19,176 by 2040
Trucks17%
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 rehabilitation with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$550,000 (2018 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

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

It was built in 1974, making it 51 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does I-79 SB over I-77 NB carry?

About 12,292 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

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

The structure is 339 ft (103.4 m) long with a longest span of 130 ft (39.6 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

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

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.