US Bridges

Old Columbiana RD over Shades Creek

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · 1000 W Columbiana RD · Structure no. 000871

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
174 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
475
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old Columbiana RD over Shades Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Old Columbiana RD 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 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 475 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 665 by 2043. The structure is 174 ft (53 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld Columbiana RD
CrossesShades Creek
Location1000 W Columbiana RD
RouteCounty Highway 558
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.4494, -86.81295
Functional classRural Local

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating55.8 US tons
Inventory rating33.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length174 ft (53 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.8 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic475 (2023)
Projected traffic665 by 2043
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 Old Columbiana RD over Shades Creek built?

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

What condition is Old Columbiana RD 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Old Columbiana RD over Shades Creek carry?

About 475 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Old Columbiana RD over Shades Creek?

The structure is 174 ft (53 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Old Columbiana RD over Shades Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.