US Bridges

West Oxmoor Road over Shades Creek

FairPosted for load

Jefferson County, Alabama · Oxmoor · Structure no. 008934

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
170 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
15,830
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

West Oxmoor Road over Shades Creek is a concrete channel beam carrying West Oxmoor Road over Shades Creek 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 6 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 15,830 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,000 by 2043. The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWest Oxmoor Road
CrossesShades Creek
LocationOxmoor
RouteCounty Highway 503
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.43306, -86.84156
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating41.4 US tons
Inventory rating23.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans5
Design loadH 20
Structure length170 ft (51.8 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,830 (2023)
Projected traffic22,000 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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$1.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was West Oxmoor Road over Shades Creek built?

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

What condition is West Oxmoor Road over Shades Creek 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does West Oxmoor Road over Shades Creek carry?

About 15,830 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is West Oxmoor Road over Shades Creek?

The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns West Oxmoor Road over Shades Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.