US Bridges

Al - 3 So Ramp over US 31 * US 280

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · US 31 * US 280 Intr · Structure no. 009968

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
880 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
7,976
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 3 So Ramp over US 31 * US 280 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Al - 3 So Ramp over US 31 * 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 7,976 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,245 by 2042. The structure is 880 ft (268.2 m) long and 41 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 3 So Ramp
CrossesUS 31 * 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 inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating50.4 US tons
Inventory rating30.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+10 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length880 ft (268.2 m)
Longest span101 ft (30.8 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.4 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,976 (2022)
Projected traffic10,245 by 2042
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesThird level (interchange)
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$8.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 3 So Ramp over US 31 * US 280 built?

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

What condition is Al - 3 So Ramp over US 31 * 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Al - 3 So Ramp over US 31 * US 280 carry?

About 7,976 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Al - 3 So Ramp over US 31 * US 280?

The structure is 880 ft (268.2 m) long with a longest span of 101 ft (30.8 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns Al - 3 So Ramp over US 31 * US 280?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.