US Bridges

Al - 4 East over Cahaba Rv

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · US 78 * Cahaba Rv · Structure no. 004771

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
315 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,825
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 4 East over Cahaba Rv is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying Al - 4 East over Cahaba Rv in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 2,825 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,643 by 2044. The structure is 315 ft (96.1 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 4 East
CrossesCahaba Rv
LocationUS 78 * Cahaba Rv
RouteU.S. Route 78
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.54586, -86.61336
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
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 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
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating42.4 US tons
Inventory rating25.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+4 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length315 ft (96.1 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,825 (2024)
Projected traffic3,643 by 2044
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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$2.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 4 East over Cahaba Rv built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al - 4 East over Cahaba Rv 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Al - 4 East over Cahaba Rv carry?

About 2,825 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Al - 4 East over Cahaba Rv?

The structure is 315 ft (96.1 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Al - 4 East over Cahaba Rv?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.