US Bridges

Old Leeds Road over Shades Creek

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · Mountainbrook Golf Course · Structure no. 001364

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
76 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
4,990
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old Leeds Road over Shades Creek is a steel culvert carrying Old Leeds Road over Shades 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 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 4,990 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,975 by 2044. The structure is 76 ft (23.3 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld Leeds Road
CrossesShades Creek
LocationMountainbrook Golf Course
RouteCounty Highway 545
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.50092, -86.73499
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length76 ft (23.3 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.5 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,990 (2024)
Projected traffic6,975 by 2044
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$543,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Old Leeds Road over Shades Creek built?

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

What condition is Old Leeds Road 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Old Leeds Road over Shades Creek carry?

About 4,990 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Old Leeds Road over Shades Creek?

The structure is 76 ft (23.3 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.5 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Old Leeds Road over Shades Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.