I - 59 South over Cahaba River
FairJefferson County, Alabama · I59 * Cahaba River · Structure no. 009239
- Built
- 1967
- 58 years old
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected August 2024
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Steel
- Length
- 308 ft
- 5 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 20,105
- 2024 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
I - 59 South over Cahaba River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I - 59 South over Cahaba River in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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.
It carries about 20,105 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 24,874 by 2044. The structure is 308 ft (93.9 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
| Superstructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Channel and channel protection | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was I - 59 South over Cahaba River built?
It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.
What condition is I - 59 South over Cahaba River 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 2024.
How much traffic does I - 59 South over Cahaba River carry?
About 20,105 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.
How long is I - 59 South over Cahaba River?
The structure is 308 ft (93.9 m) long with a longest span of 62 ft (18.9 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.
Who owns I - 59 South over Cahaba River?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.