US Bridges

Al - 5 (us 78) So over Flat Top Road

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · US 78 Graysville Intr · Structure no. 007327

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
227 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
13,850
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 5 (us 78) So over Flat Top Road is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Al - 5 (us 78) So over Flat Top Road in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 13,850 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,340 by 2042. The structure is 227 ft (69.2 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 - 5 (us 78) So
CrossesFlat Top Road
LocationUS 78 Graysville Intr
RouteState Highway 5
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.62798, -86.9772
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
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
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating34.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length227 ft (69.2 m)
Longest span82 ft (25 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,850 (2022)
Projected traffic17,340 by 2042
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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$1.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 5 (us 78) So over Flat Top Road built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al - 5 (us 78) So over Flat Top Road 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Al - 5 (us 78) So over Flat Top Road carry?

About 13,850 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is Al - 5 (us 78) So over Flat Top Road?

The structure is 227 ft (69.2 m) long with a longest span of 82 ft (25 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Al - 5 (us 78) So over Flat Top Road?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.