US Bridges

I 59 over Stephens Gap Road

Fair

Etowah County, Alabama · I 59 * Stephens Gap Road · Structure no. 007551

Built
1962
63 years old, rebuilt 1993
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
169 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,381
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 59 over Stephens Gap Road is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying I 59 over Stephens Gap Road in Etowah County, Alabama. It was built in 1962 and reconstructed in 1993, 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 169 ft (51.5 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI 59
CrossesStephens Gap Road
LocationI 59 * Stephens Gap Road
RouteInterstate 59
CountyEtowah County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.15182, -85.98401
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.9 US tons
Inventory rating29.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length169 ft (51.5 m)
Longest span64 ft (19.5 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.8 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 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
CarriesHighway
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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$2.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I 59 over Stephens Gap Road built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1993.

What condition is I 59 over Stephens Gap Road 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does I 59 over Stephens Gap Road carry?

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

How long is I 59 over Stephens Gap Road?

The structure is 169 ft (51.5 m) long with a longest span of 64 ft (19.5 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns I 59 over Stephens Gap Road?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.