US Bridges

I-79 Nbl & Sbl over Wills Creek

Fair

Kanawha County, West Virginia · 2.77 MI N of CR 43 · Structure no. 00000000020A669

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel Continuous
Length
72 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
15,700
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-79 Nbl & Sbl over Wills Creek is a steel continuous culvert carrying I-79 Nbl & Sbl over 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 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 15,700 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,137 by 2039. The structure is 72 ft (21.8 m) long.

Location

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CarriesI-79 Nbl & Sbl
CrossesWills Creek
Location2.77 MI N of CR 43
RouteInterstate 79
CountyKanawha County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.48371, -81.4592
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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length72 ft (21.8 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.9 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,700 (2019)
Projected traffic22,137 by 2039
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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$150,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-79 Nbl & Sbl over Wills Creek built?

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

What condition is I-79 Nbl & Sbl over 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does I-79 Nbl & Sbl over Wills Creek carry?

About 15,700 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is I-79 Nbl & Sbl over Wills Creek?

The structure is 72 ft (21.8 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.9 m).

Who owns I-79 Nbl & Sbl over Wills Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.