US Bridges

I 459 South over Al Great Sou RR

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · I 459 * US 11 · Structure no. 010165

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
180 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
25,205
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 459 South over Al Great Sou RR is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I 459 South over Al Great Sou RR in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 25,205 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 31,870 by 2043. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long and 48 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI 459 South
CrossesAl Great Sou RR
LocationI 459 * US 11
RouteInterstate 459
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.5918, -86.64779
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionMay 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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61 US tons
Inventory rating36.6 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 span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.5 m)
Roadway width46 ft (14 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25,205 (2023)
Projected traffic31,870 by 2043
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed—
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$2.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I 459 South over Al Great Sou RR built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is I 459 South over Al Great Sou RR 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does I 459 South over Al Great Sou RR carry?

About 25,205 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is I 459 South over Al Great Sou RR?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns I 459 South over Al Great Sou RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.