US Bridges

I - 20/59 East over I - 65 South

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · Route Interchange · Structure no. 009873

Built
1969
56 years old, rebuilt 2003
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
447 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
135,990
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I - 20/59 East over I - 65 South is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I - 20/59 East over I - 65 South in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1969 and reconstructed in 2003, so it is 56 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 135,990 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 168,249 by 2043. The structure is 447 ft (136.2 m) long and 53 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI - 20/59 East
CrossesI - 65 South
LocationRoute Interchange
RouteInterstate 20
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.52174, -86.82726
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating87.6 US tons
Inventory rating52.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadHS 20
Structure length447 ft (136.2 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width53 ft (16.3 m)
Roadway width51 ft (15.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic135,990 (2023)
Projected traffic168,249 by 2043
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesThird level (interchange)
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$5.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I - 20/59 East over I - 65 South built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2003.

What condition is I - 20/59 East over I - 65 South 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does I - 20/59 East over I - 65 South carry?

About 135,990 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is I - 20/59 East over I - 65 South?

The structure is 447 ft (136.2 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 53 ft wide.

Who owns I - 20/59 East over I - 65 South?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.