US Bridges

Al - 79 North over Turkey Creek

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · .1 Mi. No Al 151 · Structure no. 006357

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
144 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
7,695
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 79 North over Turkey Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Al - 79 North over Turkey Creek in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 7,695 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,520 by 2041. The structure is 144 ft (43.9 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 79 North
CrossesTurkey Creek
Location.1 Mi. No Al 151
RouteState Highway 79
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.69922, -86.68694
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
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 adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating54.3 US tons
Inventory rating32.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length144 ft (43.9 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,695 (2021)
Projected traffic9,520 by 2041
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 79 North over Turkey Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al - 79 North over Turkey 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 2023.

How much traffic does Al - 79 North over Turkey Creek carry?

About 7,695 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Al - 79 North over Turkey Creek?

The structure is 144 ft (43.9 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Al - 79 North over Turkey Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.