US Bridges

Interstate 79 over Mon. Co. Rt. 73

Fair

Monongalia County, West Virginia · 0.46 Miles North I-68 · Structure no. 00000000031A169

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
126 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
32,800
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Interstate 79 over Mon. Co. Rt. 73 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Interstate 79 over Mon. Co. Rt. 73 in Monongalia 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 32,800 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 46,905 by 2041. The structure is 126 ft (38.3 m) long and 112 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesInterstate 79
CrossesMon. Co. Rt. 73
Location0.46 Miles North I-68
RouteInterstate 7900
CountyMonongalia County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates39.5847, -79.9792
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating61 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length126 ft (38.3 m)
Longest span120 ft (36.6 m)
Deck width112 ft (34 m)
Roadway width105 ft (32.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic32,800 (2022)
Projected traffic46,905 by 2041
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedDeck rehabilitation with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$984,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Interstate 79 over Mon. Co. Rt. 73 built?

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

What condition is Interstate 79 over Mon. Co. Rt. 73 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Interstate 79 over Mon. Co. Rt. 73 carry?

About 32,800 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is Interstate 79 over Mon. Co. Rt. 73?

The structure is 126 ft (38.3 m) long with a longest span of 120 ft (36.6 m) and a deck 112 ft wide.

Who owns Interstate 79 over Mon. Co. Rt. 73?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.