US Bridges

Al - 5 (us 78) over Dugan Ave.

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · US 78 / Dugan Ave · Structure no. 001392

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
175 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
45,380
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 5 (us 78) over Dugan Ave. is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Al - 5 (us 78) over Dugan Ave. in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1936, so it is 89 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 45,380 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 56,815 by 2042. The structure is 175 ft (53.3 m) long and 53 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 5 (us 78)
CrossesDugan Ave.
LocationUS 78 / Dugan Ave
RouteState Highway 5
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.54713, -86.87855
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating69.4 US tons
Inventory rating41.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length175 ft (53.3 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width53 ft (16.2 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic45,380 (2022)
Projected traffic56,815 by 2042
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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$2.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 5 (us 78) over Dugan Ave. built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al - 5 (us 78) over Dugan Ave. 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 Al - 5 (us 78) over Dugan Ave. carry?

About 45,380 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is Al - 5 (us 78) over Dugan Ave.?

The structure is 175 ft (53.3 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 53 ft wide.

Who owns Al - 5 (us 78) over Dugan Ave.?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.