US Bridges

Alton Road over Norfolk Southern RR

FairPosted for load

Jefferson County, Alabama · 1.5 MI N US 78 · Structure no. 008853

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
198 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,582
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Alton Road over Norfolk Southern RR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Alton Road over Norfolk Southern RR in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,582 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,100 by 2043. The structure is 198 ft (60.4 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAlton Road
CrossesNorfolk Southern RR
Location1.5 MI N US 78
RouteCounty Highway 100
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.56252, -86.6519
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating38.1 US tons
Inventory rating22.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+4 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length198 ft (60.4 m)
Longest span66 ft (20.1 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,582 (2023)
Projected traffic2,100 by 2043
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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$1.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Alton Road over Norfolk Southern RR built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is Alton Road over Norfolk 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Alton Road over Norfolk Southern RR carry?

About 1,582 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is Alton Road over Norfolk Southern RR?

The structure is 198 ft (60.4 m) long with a longest span of 66 ft (20.1 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Alton Road over Norfolk Southern RR?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.