US Bridges

Interstate 79 over Monongahela River

Fair

Monongalia County, West Virginia · 0.55 Mile North of I-68 · Structure no. 00000000031A170

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2022
Type
Truss - Deck
Steel Continuous
Length
1,550 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
38,200
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Interstate 79 over Monongahela River is a steel continuous truss - deck carrying Interstate 79 over Monongahela River in Monongalia County, West Virginia. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 38,200 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 64,726 by 2040. The structure is 1,550 ft (472.3 m) long and 95 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesInterstate 79
CrossesMonongahela River
Location0.55 Mile North of I-68
RouteInterstate 7900
CountyMonongalia County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates39.58821, -79.97925
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating45 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Deck
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+8 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,550 ft (472.3 m)
Longest span480 ft (146.3 m)
Deck width95 ft (29.1 m)
Roadway width89 ft (27.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic38,200 (2020)
Projected traffic64,726 by 2040
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway, waterway and railroad
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Interstate 79 over Monongahela River built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is Interstate 79 over Monongahela River 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 2022.

How much traffic does Interstate 79 over Monongahela River carry?

About 38,200 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is Interstate 79 over Monongahela River?

The structure is 1,550 ft (472.3 m) long with a longest span of 480 ft (146.3 m) and a deck 95 ft wide.

Who owns Interstate 79 over Monongahela River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.