US Bridges

I-79 SB over CR 53 & Wills Creek

Fair

Kanawha County, West Virginia · 5.78 Mi. N. of CR 43 · Structure no. 00000000020A511

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
540 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
12,700
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-79 SB over CR 53 & Wills Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-79 SB over CR 53 & Wills Creek 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 12,700 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,812 by 2042. The structure is 540 ft (164.5 m) long and 45 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-79 SB
CrossesCR 53 & Wills Creek
Location5.78 Mi. N. of CR 43
RouteInterstate 79
CountyKanawha County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.50121, -81.41519
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating61 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+3 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length540 ft (164.5 m)
Longest span148 ft (45 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.6 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,700 (2022)
Projected traffic19,812 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$350,000 (2019 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

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

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

What condition is I-79 SB over CR 53 & Wills 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does I-79 SB over CR 53 & Wills Creek carry?

About 12,700 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

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

The structure is 540 ft (164.5 m) long with a longest span of 148 ft (45 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns I-79 SB over CR 53 & Wills Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.