US Bridges

I - 20/59 East over I - 20/59 West

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · Route Interchange · Structure no. 009874

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

About this bridge

I - 20/59 East over I - 20/59 West is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I - 20/59 East over I - 20/59 West 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 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 135,990 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 168,249 by 2043. The structure is 387 ft (118 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI - 20/59 East
CrossesI - 20/59 West
LocationRoute Interchange
RouteInterstate 20
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.52176, -86.82456
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating61.3 US tons
Inventory rating36.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length387 ft (118 m)
Longest span165 ft (50.3 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.5 m)
Roadway width62 ft (19 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic135,990 (2023)
Projected traffic168,249 by 2043
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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$6.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I - 20/59 East over I - 20/59 West 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 - 20/59 West 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 I - 20/59 East over I - 20/59 West carry?

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

How long is I - 20/59 East over I - 20/59 West?

The structure is 387 ft (118 m) long with a longest span of 165 ft (50.3 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns I - 20/59 East over I - 20/59 West?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.