US Bridges

7th Ave SW over Al - 5 (us 78)

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · Al - 5 / 7th Ave SW · Structure no. 007328

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
245 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,250
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

7th Ave SW over Al - 5 (us 78) is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying 7th Ave SW over Al - 5 (us 78) 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 6 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 2,250 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,200 by 2042. The structure is 245 ft (74.7 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries7th Ave SW
CrossesAl - 5 (us 78)
LocationAl - 5 / 7th Ave SW
RouteCity Street 0
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.62137, -86.97511
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating45.2 US tons
Inventory rating27.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length245 ft (74.7 m)
Longest span68 ft (20.7 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,250 (2022)
Projected traffic3,200 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$1.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was 7th Ave SW over Al - 5 (us 78) built?

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

What condition is 7th Ave SW over Al - 5 (us 78) 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 7th Ave SW over Al - 5 (us 78) carry?

About 2,250 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is 7th Ave SW over Al - 5 (us 78)?

The structure is 245 ft (74.7 m) long with a longest span of 68 ft (20.7 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns 7th Ave SW over Al - 5 (us 78)?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.