US Bridges

I-79 NB & SB over Fork of Wills Creek

Fair

Kanawha County, West Virginia · 3.61 MI N of CR 43 · Structure no. 00000000020A749

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel Continuous
Length
30 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
25,400
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-79 NB & SB over Fork of Wills Creek is a steel continuous culvert carrying I-79 NB & SB over Fork of Wills Creek in Kanawha County, West Virginia. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 25,400 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 39,624 by 2042. The structure is 30 ft (9.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-79 NB & SB
CrossesFork of Wills Creek
Location3.61 MI N of CR 43
RouteInterstate 79
CountyKanawha County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.48469, -81.43817
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length30 ft (9.2 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25,400 (2022)
Projected traffic39,624 by 2042
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$125,000 (2019 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-79 NB & SB over Fork of Wills Creek built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-79 NB & SB over Fork of 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does I-79 NB & SB over Fork of Wills Creek carry?

About 25,400 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is I-79 NB & SB over Fork of Wills Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.2 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.8 m).

Who owns I-79 NB & SB over Fork of Wills Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.