US Bridges

I-79 Nbl over C.R.29 Big Sandy Creek

Fair

Roane County, West Virginia · 0.33 Mi. N. of Cr. 29 · Structure no. 00000000044A124

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
481 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,800
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-79 Nbl over C.R.29 Big Sandy Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-79 Nbl over C.R.29 Big Sandy Creek in Roane 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 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 5,800 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,294 by 2039. The structure is 481 ft (146.5 m) long and 48 ft wide.

CarriesI-79 Nbl
CrossesC.R.29 Big Sandy Creek
Location0.33 Mi. N. of Cr. 29
RouteInterstate 79
Coordinates38.57171, -81.26346
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.9 US tons
Inventory rating38 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length481 ft (146.5 m)
Longest span130 ft (39.6 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.6 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,800 (2019)
Projected traffic8,294 by 2039
Trucks16%
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 proposedDeck rehabilitation with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$1.9 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-79 Nbl over C.R.29 Big Sandy Creek built?

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

What condition is I-79 Nbl over C.R.29 Big Sandy Creek 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does I-79 Nbl over C.R.29 Big Sandy Creek carry?

About 5,800 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I-79 Nbl over C.R.29 Big Sandy Creek?

The structure is 481 ft (146.5 m) long with a longest span of 130 ft (39.6 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns I-79 Nbl over C.R.29 Big Sandy Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.