US Bridges

I-79 Sbl over CR45 Little Sandy Creek

Fair

Kanawha County, West Virginia · 2.11 MI N of Wv 114 · Structure no. 00000000020A503

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
966 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
15,200
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-79 Sbl over CR45 Little Sandy Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-79 Sbl over CR45 Little Sandy Creek in Kanawha County, West Virginia. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 6 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 15,200 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,712 by 2040. The structure is 966 ft (294.4 m) long and 45 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-79 Sbl
CrossesCR45 Little Sandy Creek
Location2.11 MI N of Wv 114
RouteInterstate 79
CountyKanawha County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.43717, -81.52065
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+4 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length966 ft (294.4 m)
Longest span165 ft (50.3 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.6 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,200 (2020)
Projected traffic23,712 by 2040
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
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$1 million (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-79 Sbl over CR45 Little Sandy Creek built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-79 Sbl over CR45 Little Sandy Creek 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does I-79 Sbl over CR45 Little Sandy Creek carry?

About 15,200 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is I-79 Sbl over CR45 Little Sandy Creek?

The structure is 966 ft (294.4 m) long with a longest span of 165 ft (50.3 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns I-79 Sbl over CR45 Little Sandy Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.