US Bridges

Al - 79 North over Five Mile Creek

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · Keytonna · Structure no. 001284

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
305 ft
10 main spans
Daily traffic
14,045
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 79 North over Five Mile Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Al - 79 North over Five Mile Creek in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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 14,045 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,376 by 2043. The structure is 305 ft (93 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 79 North
CrossesFive Mile Creek
LocationKeytonna
RouteState Highway 79
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.60139, -86.75583
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
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 inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46.4 US tons
Inventory rating27.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans10
Design loadH 15
Structure length305 ft (93 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,045 (2023)
Projected traffic17,376 by 2043
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$1.9 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 79 North over Five Mile Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al - 79 North over Five Mile 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Al - 79 North over Five Mile Creek carry?

About 14,045 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Al - 79 North over Five Mile Creek?

The structure is 305 ft (93 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Al - 79 North over Five Mile Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.