US Bridges

NB Columbiana RD over Shades Creek

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · 1500 S Lakeshore DR · Structure no. 006072

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
157 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
14,680
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

NB Columbiana RD over Shades Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying NB Columbiana RD over Shades Creek in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 14,680 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,550 by 2041. The structure is 157 ft (47.9 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNB Columbiana RD
CrossesShades Creek
Location1500 S Lakeshore DR
RouteCounty Highway 501
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.45032, -86.81087
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating59.7 US tons
Inventory rating35.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length157 ft (47.9 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.3 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,680 (2021)
Projected traffic20,550 by 2041
Trucks20%
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

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$1.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NB Columbiana RD over Shades Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is NB Columbiana RD over Shades 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does NB Columbiana RD over Shades Creek carry?

About 14,680 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is NB Columbiana RD over Shades Creek?

The structure is 157 ft (47.9 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.3 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns NB Columbiana RD over Shades Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.