US Bridges

I-79 S over W Fk Rvr CO 19/39 & 38/3

Fair

Lewis County, West Virginia · 2.87 M1 S of US 33 · Structure no. 00000000021A118

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
441 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
11,350
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-79 S over W Fk Rvr CO 19/39 & 38/3 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-79 S over W Fk Rvr CO 19/39 & 38/3 in Lewis County, West Virginia. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 11,350 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,231 by 2038. The structure is 441 ft (134.4 m) long and 55 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-79 S
CrossesW Fk Rvr CO 19/39 & 38/3
Location2.87 M1 S of US 33
RouteInterstate 7900
CountyLewis County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates39.01459, -80.47167
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+4 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length441 ft (134.4 m)
Longest span130 ft (39.6 m)
Deck width55 ft (16.8 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,350 (2018)
Projected traffic16,231 by 2038
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure3
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$1.5 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-79 S over W Fk Rvr CO 19/39 & 38/3 built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-79 S over W Fk Rvr CO 19/39 & 38/3 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does I-79 S over W Fk Rvr CO 19/39 & 38/3 carry?

About 11,350 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is I-79 S over W Fk Rvr CO 19/39 & 38/3?

The structure is 441 ft (134.4 m) long with a longest span of 130 ft (39.6 m) and a deck 55 ft wide.

Who owns I-79 S over W Fk Rvr CO 19/39 & 38/3?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.