US Bridges

4th Ave No over Valley Creek

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · 4th Ave N * 4th ST N · Structure no. 003265

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
42 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,000
2018 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

4th Ave No over Valley Creek is a concrete culvert carrying 4th Ave No over Valley Creek in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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 2,000 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,000 by 2038. The structure is 42 ft (12.7 m) long and 154 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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Carries4th Ave No
CrossesValley Creek
Location4th Ave N * 4th ST N
RouteCity Street 0
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.50784, -86.82995
Functional classUrban Local

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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
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
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length42 ft (12.7 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width154 ft (46.9 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,000 (2018)
Projected traffic3,000 by 2038
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$1.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 4th Ave No over Valley Creek built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is 4th Ave No over Valley 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does 4th Ave No over Valley Creek carry?

About 2,000 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is 4th Ave No over Valley Creek?

The structure is 42 ft (12.7 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 154 ft wide.

Who owns 4th Ave No over Valley Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.