US Bridges

Bailey Road over Little Cahaba River

PoorPosted for load

Jefferson County, Alabama · 0.4 MI Mw Al 119 · Structure no. 003925

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
47 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
92
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bailey Road over Little Cahaba River is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying Bailey Road over Little Cahaba River 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 92 vehicles a day, projected to reach 100 by 2044. The structure is 47 ft (14.2 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesBailey Road
CrossesLittle Cahaba River
Location0.4 MI Mw Al 119
RouteCounty Highway 309
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.49999, -86.61445
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating6 US tons
Inventory rating5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+1 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length47 ft (14.2 m)
Longest span36 ft (10.9 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic92 (2024)
Projected traffic100 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$253,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bailey Road over Little Cahaba River built?

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

What condition is Bailey Road over Little Cahaba River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in September 2024.

How much traffic does Bailey Road over Little Cahaba River carry?

About 92 vehicles per day (2024 count).

How long is Bailey Road over Little Cahaba River?

The structure is 47 ft (14.2 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (10.9 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Bailey Road over Little Cahaba River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.