US Bridges

Al 22 over Cahaba River

Fair

Dallas County, Alabama · 7.8 Mi.W.Of US 80 · Structure no. 011216

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
836 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,050
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al 22 over Cahaba River is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying Al 22 over Cahaba River in Dallas County, Alabama. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 years old, younger than the Alabama average of 51.1 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 4,050 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,912 by 2033. The structure is 836 ft (254.8 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.7 mi (80 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl 22
CrossesCahaba River
Location7.8 Mi.W.Of US 80
RouteState Highway 22
CountyDallas County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.35954, -87.1346
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 rating48.8 US tons
Inventory rating29.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+11 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length836 ft (254.8 m)
Longest span180 ft (54.9 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,050 (2013)
Projected traffic4,912 by 2033
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed49.7 mi (80 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$5.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al 22 over Cahaba River built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al 22 over Cahaba 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Al 22 over Cahaba River carry?

About 4,050 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Al 22 over Cahaba River?

The structure is 836 ft (254.8 m) long with a longest span of 180 ft (54.9 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Al 22 over Cahaba River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.