US Bridges

I-59 over SR 68

Fair

DeKalb County, Alabama · JCT SR 68 * I-59 · Structure no. 007536

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
226 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
8,381
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-59 over SR 68 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-59 over SR 68 in DeKalb County, Alabama. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 8,381 vehicles a day, roughly 32% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,733 by 2042. The structure is 226 ft (68.9 m) long and 33 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesI-59
CrossesSR 68
LocationJCT SR 68 * I-59
RouteInterstate 59
CountyDeKalb County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.27509, -85.87951
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating93.1 US tons
Inventory rating55.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length226 ft (68.9 m)
Longest span56 ft (17.1 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,381 (2022)
Projected traffic11,733 by 2042
Trucks32%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-59 over SR 68 built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-59 over SR 68 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does I-59 over SR 68 carry?

About 8,381 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 32% are trucks.

How long is I-59 over SR 68?

The structure is 226 ft (68.9 m) long with a longest span of 56 ft (17.1 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns I-59 over SR 68?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.