US Bridges

Al - 5 (us 11) over Opossum Creek

Poor

Jefferson County, Alabama · @ Bessemer Plaza Mall · Structure no. 005115

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
36 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
19,500
2025 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 5 (us 11) over Opossum Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Al - 5 (us 11) over Opossum Creek 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 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.

It carries about 19,500 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 24,414 by 2045. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 5 (us 11)
CrossesOpossum Creek
Location@ Bessemer Plaza Mall
RouteU.S. Route 11
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.39273, -86.97258
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating97.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,500 (2025)
Projected traffic24,414 by 2045
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$1.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 5 (us 11) over Opossum Creek built?

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

What condition is Al - 5 (us 11) over Opossum Creek 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does Al - 5 (us 11) over Opossum Creek carry?

About 19,500 vehicles per day (2025 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Al - 5 (us 11) over Opossum Creek?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns Al - 5 (us 11) over Opossum Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.