US Bridges

I - 65 South over I - 65 North

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · I 59 * I 65 Interchange · Structure no. 009914

Built
1969
56 years old, rebuilt 2003
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
296 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
112,170
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I - 65 South over I - 65 North is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I - 65 South over I - 65 North 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 112,170 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 142,111 by 2043. The structure is 296 ft (90.2 m) long and 65 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI - 65 South
CrossesI - 65 North
LocationI 59 * I 65 Interchange
RouteInterstate 65
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.52341, -86.8269
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating58.8 US tons
Inventory rating35.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length296 ft (90.2 m)
Longest span117 ft (35.7 m)
Deck width65 ft (19.9 m)
Roadway width61 ft (18.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic112,170 (2023)
Projected traffic142,111 by 2043
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure4
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$4.9 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I - 65 South over I - 65 North built?

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

What condition is I - 65 South over I - 65 North 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 - 65 South over I - 65 North carry?

About 112,170 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is I - 65 South over I - 65 North?

The structure is 296 ft (90.2 m) long with a longest span of 117 ft (35.7 m) and a deck 65 ft wide.

Who owns I - 65 South over I - 65 North?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.