US Bridges

I-59 over SR 35

Fair

DeKalb County, Alabama · JCT I59 * SR 35 · Structure no. 006438

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
248 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
11,161
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-59 over SR 35 is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying I-59 over SR 35 in DeKalb County, Alabama. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 years old, older 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 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 11,161 vehicles a day, roughly 28% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,625 by 2042. The structure is 248 ft (75.6 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI-59
CrossesSR 35
LocationJCT I59 * SR 35
RouteInterstate 59
CountyDeKalb County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.43706, -85.74864
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52.4 US tons
Inventory rating31.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length248 ft (75.6 m)
Longest span68 ft (20.7 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,161 (2022)
Projected traffic15,625 by 2042
Trucks28%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$2.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-59 over SR 35 built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-59 over SR 35 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does I-59 over SR 35 carry?

About 11,161 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 28% are trucks.

How long is I-59 over SR 35?

The structure is 248 ft (75.6 m) long with a longest span of 68 ft (20.7 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns I-59 over SR 35?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.