US Bridges

I-79 NB over CR 45 & Little Sandy Ck

Fair

Kanawha County, West Virginia · 1.20 MI S of CR 43 · Structure no. 00000000020A504

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
420 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
13,600
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-79 NB over CR 45 & Little Sandy Ck is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-79 NB over CR 45 & Little Sandy Ck 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 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 13,600 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,216 by 2042. The structure is 420 ft (128 m) long and 45 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesI-79 NB
CrossesCR 45 & Little Sandy Ck
Location1.20 MI S of CR 43
RouteInterstate 79
CountyKanawha County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.44888, -81.51351
Functional classRural 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.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 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 rating84 US tons
Inventory rating48.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length420 ft (128 m)
Longest span115 ft (35.1 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.6 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,600 (2022)
Projected traffic21,216 by 2042
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$1.4 million (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-79 NB over CR 45 & Little Sandy Ck built?

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

What condition is I-79 NB over CR 45 & Little Sandy Ck 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 NB over CR 45 & Little Sandy Ck carry?

About 13,600 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is I-79 NB over CR 45 & Little Sandy Ck?

The structure is 420 ft (128 m) long with a longest span of 115 ft (35.1 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns I-79 NB over CR 45 & Little Sandy Ck?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.