US Bridges

Al - 3 South over 21 ST Ave So

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · US 31 * 21 ST Ave So · Structure no. 008235

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
195 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
39,880
2025 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 3 South over 21 ST Ave So is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying Al - 3 South over 21 ST Ave So in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 39,880 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 51,228 by 2045. The structure is 195 ft (59.4 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesAl - 3 South
Crosses21 ST Ave So
LocationUS 31 * 21 ST Ave So
RouteU.S. Route 31
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.49136, -86.78701
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50.4 US tons
Inventory rating30.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length195 ft (59.4 m)
Longest span74 ft (22.6 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic39,880 (2025)
Projected traffic51,228 by 2045
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure3
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$2.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 3 South over 21 ST Ave So built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al - 3 South over 21 ST Ave So 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does Al - 3 South over 21 ST Ave So carry?

About 39,880 vehicles per day (2025 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Al - 3 South over 21 ST Ave So?

The structure is 195 ft (59.4 m) long with a longest span of 74 ft (22.6 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Al - 3 South over 21 ST Ave So?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.