US Bridges

Al - 3 (us 31) over Shades Ck

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · .1 Mi. So. Al 149 · Structure no. 002647

Built
1942
83 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
318 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
30,220
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 3 (us 31) over Shades Ck is a concrete tee beam carrying Al - 3 (us 31) over Shades Ck in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1942, so it is 83 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 30,220 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 38,820 by 2042. The structure is 318 ft (96.9 m) long and 58 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 3 (us 31)
CrossesShades Ck
Location.1 Mi. So. Al 149
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.46639, -86.7775
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.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating52.8 US tons
Inventory rating31.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 20
Structure length318 ft (96.9 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.8 m)
Deck width58 ft (17.7 m)
Roadway width51 ft (15.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30,220 (2022)
Projected traffic38,820 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure4
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$4.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 3 (us 31) over Shades Ck built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al - 3 (us 31) over Shades Ck 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 - 3 (us 31) over Shades Ck carry?

About 30,220 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Al - 3 (us 31) over Shades Ck?

The structure is 318 ft (96.9 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.8 m) and a deck 58 ft wide.

Who owns Al - 3 (us 31) over Shades Ck?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.