US Bridges

Morgan RD Bessemer over Shades Creek

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · Morgan · Structure no. 000720

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
126 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
13,751
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Morgan RD Bessemer over Shades Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Morgan RD Bessemer over Shades Creek in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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 13,751 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,300 by 2044. The structure is 126 ft (38.4 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMorgan RD Bessemer
CrossesShades Creek
LocationMorgan
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.35506, -86.93694
Functional classUrban 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating46.3 US tons
Inventory rating27.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length126 ft (38.4 m)
Longest span39 ft (12 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.6 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,751 (2024)
Projected traffic15,300 by 2044
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Morgan RD Bessemer over Shades Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is Morgan RD Bessemer over Shades Creek 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 Morgan RD Bessemer over Shades Creek carry?

About 13,751 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is Morgan RD Bessemer over Shades Creek?

The structure is 126 ft (38.4 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (12 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Morgan RD Bessemer over Shades Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.