US Bridges

I - 65 North over Al - 5 (us 78)

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · I 65 * 8 TH Ave No · Structure no. 009908

Built
1969
56 years old, rebuilt 2003
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
180 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
66,525
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I - 65 North over Al - 5 (us 78) is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I - 65 North over Al - 5 (us 78) 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 66,525 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 84,282 by 2044. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long and 77 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI - 65 North
CrossesAl - 5 (us 78)
LocationI 65 * 8 TH Ave No
RouteInterstate 65
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.51498, -86.82367
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 inspectionJune 2024
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57.8 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length180 ft (54.9 m)
Longest span83 ft (25.3 m)
Deck width77 ft (23.5 m)
Roadway width73 ft (22.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic66,525 (2024)
Projected traffic84,282 by 2044
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure4
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$3.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I - 65 North over Al - 5 (us 78) built?

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

What condition is I - 65 North over Al - 5 (us 78) 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does I - 65 North over Al - 5 (us 78) carry?

About 66,525 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is I - 65 North over Al - 5 (us 78)?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 83 ft (25.3 m) and a deck 77 ft wide.

Who owns I - 65 North over Al - 5 (us 78)?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.