US Bridges

I-79 over Coopers Creek

Fair

Kanawha County, West Virginia · 0.16 MI S of CR 41 · Structure no. 00000000020A580

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
42 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
29,950
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-79 over Coopers Creek is a concrete culvert carrying I-79 over Coopers Creek in Kanawha County, West Virginia. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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 29,950 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 46,722 by 2042. The structure is 42 ft (12.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-79
CrossesCoopers Creek
Location0.16 MI S of CR 41
RouteInterstate 79
CountyKanawha County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.41875, -81.54465
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
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
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating79 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length42 ft (12.7 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic29,950 (2022)
Projected traffic46,722 by 2042
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-79 over Coopers Creek built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-79 over Coopers 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 2024.

How much traffic does I-79 over Coopers Creek carry?

About 29,950 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is I-79 over Coopers Creek?

The structure is 42 ft (12.7 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.3 m).

Who owns I-79 over Coopers Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.