US Bridges

Wilkes Cairo Rd. over Valley Creek

FairPosted for load

Jefferson County, Alabama · Wilkes Cairo * Valley Ck · Structure no. 004963

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
120 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
9,000
2016 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Wilkes Cairo Rd. over Valley Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Wilkes Cairo Rd. over Valley Creek in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 9,000 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,000 by 2036. The structure is 120 ft (36.5 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWilkes Cairo Rd.
CrossesValley Creek
LocationWilkes Cairo * Valley Ck
RouteCity Street 152
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.4479, -86.9225
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating27.7 US tons
Inventory rating16.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length120 ft (36.5 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.3 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,000 (2016)
Projected traffic12,000 by 2036
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$931,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Wilkes Cairo Rd. over Valley Creek built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is Wilkes Cairo Rd. 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Wilkes Cairo Rd. over Valley Creek carry?

About 9,000 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Wilkes Cairo Rd. over Valley Creek?

The structure is 120 ft (36.5 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.3 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Wilkes Cairo Rd. over Valley Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.