US Bridges

Al - 5 North over Southern RR

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · @ Old Jasper HWY · Structure no. 007630

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
125 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,240
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 5 North over Southern RR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Al - 5 North over Southern RR in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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. Its operating status is: open, would be posted or closed except for temporary shoring.

It carries about 6,240 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,812 by 2043. The structure is 125 ft (38.1 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 North
CrossesSouthern RR
Location@ Old Jasper HWY
RouteState Highway 5
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.6797, -86.97285
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
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 inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, would be posted or closed except for temporary shoring
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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating59.9 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+1 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length125 ft (38.1 m)
Longest span81 ft (24.7 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,240 (2023)
Projected traffic7,812 by 2043
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
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$1.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 5 North over Southern RR built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al - 5 North over Southern RR 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does Al - 5 North over Southern RR carry?

About 6,240 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is Al - 5 North over Southern RR?

The structure is 125 ft (38.1 m) long with a longest span of 81 ft (24.7 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Al - 5 North over Southern RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.