US Bridges

Al - 5 (us 78) over Sou * L * N RR

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · .2 Mi.West Div Office · Structure no. 001393

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
355 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
45,700
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 5 (us 78) over Sou * L * N RR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Al - 5 (us 78) over Sou * L * N RR 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 45,700 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 57,216 by 2044. The structure is 355 ft (108.2 m) long and 53 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 5 (us 78)
CrossesSou * L * N RR
Location.2 Mi.West Div Office
RouteState Highway 5
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.534, -86.8608
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.
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.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating66.8 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+6 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length355 ft (108.2 m)
Longest span73 ft (22.3 m)
Deck width53 ft (16.2 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic45,700 (2024)
Projected traffic57,216 by 2044
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$4.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 5 (us 78) over Sou * L * N RR built?

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

What condition is Al - 5 (us 78) over Sou * L * N RR 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Al - 5 (us 78) over Sou * L * N RR carry?

About 45,700 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Al - 5 (us 78) over Sou * L * N RR?

The structure is 355 ft (108.2 m) long with a longest span of 73 ft (22.3 m) and a deck 53 ft wide.

Who owns Al - 5 (us 78) over Sou * L * N RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.