US Bridges

4th Ave Bess over Halls Creek

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · 0.5 Mile S of Bessemer · Structure no. 003703

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
46 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
9,622
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

4th Ave Bess over Halls Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying 4th Ave Bess over Halls Creek in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 9,622 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,450 by 2044. The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries4th Ave Bess
CrossesHalls Creek
Location0.5 Mile S of Bessemer
RouteCounty Highway 20
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.38324, -86.97057
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length46 ft (14 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,622 (2024)
Projected traffic13,450 by 2044
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$424,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 4th Ave Bess over Halls Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is 4th Ave Bess over Halls 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does 4th Ave Bess over Halls Creek carry?

About 9,622 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is 4th Ave Bess over Halls Creek?

The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns 4th Ave Bess over Halls Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.