US Bridges

Al - 3 North over Ramp a * US 280

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · US 31 * US 280 Intr · Structure no. 009967

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
246 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
16,400
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 3 North over Ramp a * US 280 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Al - 3 North over Ramp a * US 280 in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1969, 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 16,400 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,067 by 2042. The structure is 246 ft (75 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 3 North
CrossesRamp a * US 280
LocationUS 31 * US 280 Intr
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.48333, -86.78667
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating95 US tons
Inventory rating56.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length246 ft (75 m)
Longest span71 ft (21.6 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (4.9 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,400 (2022)
Projected traffic21,067 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesThird level (interchange)
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$2.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 3 North over Ramp a * US 280 built?

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

What condition is Al - 3 North over Ramp a * US 280 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Al - 3 North over Ramp a * US 280 carry?

About 16,400 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Al - 3 North over Ramp a * US 280?

The structure is 246 ft (75 m) long with a longest span of 71 ft (21.6 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Al - 3 North over Ramp a * US 280?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.