US Bridges

Farnsworth Drive over I-77 Piedmont Richards

Fair

Kanawha County, West Virginia · 0.63 Mil N. of Wv 114 · Structure no. 00000000020A912

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
456 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,500
2020 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Farnsworth Drive over I-77 Piedmont Richards is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Farnsworth Drive over I-77 Piedmont Richards 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 5,500 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,920 by 2040. The structure is 456 ft (139.1 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFarnsworth Drive
CrossesI-77 Piedmont Richards
Location0.63 Mil N. of Wv 114
RouteCity Street N0280
CountyKanawha County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates38.34928, -81.61849
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating54 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+4 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length456 ft (139.1 m)
Longest span149 ft (45.4 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.6 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,500 (2020)
Projected traffic7,920 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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$650,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Farnsworth Drive over I-77 Piedmont Richards built?

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

What condition is Farnsworth Drive over I-77 Piedmont Richards 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 2023.

How much traffic does Farnsworth Drive over I-77 Piedmont Richards carry?

About 5,500 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Farnsworth Drive over I-77 Piedmont Richards?

The structure is 456 ft (139.1 m) long with a longest span of 149 ft (45.4 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Farnsworth Drive over I-77 Piedmont Richards?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.