US Bridges

Bessemer-Johns RD over Blue Creek Tributary

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · At North Johns City Limit · Structure no. 000659

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
49 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,084
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bessemer-Johns RD over Blue Creek Tributary is a steel culvert carrying Bessemer-Johns RD over Blue Creek Tributary in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 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 1,084 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,375 by 2043. The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesBessemer-Johns RD
CrossesBlue Creek Tributary
LocationAt North Johns City Limit
RouteCounty Highway 36
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.37067, -87.09608
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating50.8 US tons
Inventory rating43.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length49 ft (14.9 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.2 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,084 (2023)
Projected traffic1,375 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$414,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bessemer-Johns RD over Blue Creek Tributary built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bessemer-Johns RD over Blue Creek Tributary 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 2023.

How much traffic does Bessemer-Johns RD over Blue Creek Tributary carry?

About 1,084 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is Bessemer-Johns RD over Blue Creek Tributary?

The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.2 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Bessemer-Johns RD over Blue Creek Tributary?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.