US Bridges

I 59/20 South over Valley Road

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · I59 * Valley Road · Structure no. 009519

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
807 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
30,650
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 59/20 South over Valley Road is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I 59/20 South over Valley Road in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 30,650 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 37,920 by 2043. The structure is 807 ft (246 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI 59/20 South
CrossesValley Road
LocationI59 * Valley Road
RouteInterstate 20
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.48333, -86.91889
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64.3 US tons
Inventory rating38.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length807 ft (246 m)
Longest span132 ft (40.2 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30,650 (2023)
Projected traffic37,920 by 2043
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate 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$5.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I 59/20 South over Valley Road built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is I 59/20 South over Valley Road 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does I 59/20 South over Valley Road carry?

About 30,650 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is I 59/20 South over Valley Road?

The structure is 807 ft (246 m) long with a longest span of 132 ft (40.2 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns I 59/20 South over Valley Road?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.