US Bridges

Interstate 70 over Ohio River & N Front ST

Fair

Ohio County, West Virginia · 0.36 MI W of JCT Wv 2 S · Structure no. 00000000035A061

Built
1955
70 years old, rebuilt 1990
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Arch - Thru
Steel
Length
1,660 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
29,400
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Interstate 70 over Ohio River & N Front ST is a steel arch - thru carrying Interstate 70 over Ohio River & N Front ST in Ohio County, West Virginia. It was built in 1955 and reconstructed in 1990, so it is 70 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 29,400 vehicles a day, roughly 36% of them trucks, projected to reach 36,800 by 2039. The structure is 1,660 ft (506 m) long and 60 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesInterstate 70
CrossesOhio River & N Front ST
Location0.36 MI W of JCT Wv 2 S
RouteInterstate 70
CountyOhio County
StateWest Virginia
Coordinates40.072, -80.72691
Functional classUrban 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating43 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+9 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length1,660 ft (506 m)
Longest span577 ft (176 m)
Deck width60 ft (18.2 m)
Roadway width53 ft (16.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck17 ft (5.3 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic29,400 (2022)
Projected traffic36,800 by 2039
Trucks36%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$25.6 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Interstate 70 over Ohio River & N Front ST built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1990.

What condition is Interstate 70 over Ohio River & N Front ST 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 70 over Ohio River & N Front ST carry?

About 29,400 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 36% are trucks.

How long is Interstate 70 over Ohio River & N Front ST?

The structure is 1,660 ft (506 m) long with a longest span of 577 ft (176 m) and a deck 60 ft wide.

Who owns Interstate 70 over Ohio River & N Front ST?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.