US Bridges

I - 459 South over Al - 7 (us 11)

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · I 459 * US 11 · Structure no. 010168

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
281 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
25,205
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I - 459 South over Al - 7 (us 11) is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I - 459 South over Al - 7 (us 11) 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 2044. The structure is 281 ft (85.6 m) long and 53 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI - 459 South
CrossesAl - 7 (us 11)
LocationI 459 * US 11
RouteInterstate 459
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.59307, -86.64893
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 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 rating81.8 US tons
Inventory rating49.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length281 ft (85.6 m)
Longest span109 ft (33.2 m)
Deck width53 ft (16.1 m)
Roadway width51 ft (15.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25,205 (2024)
Projected traffic31,870 by 2044
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$3.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I - 459 South over Al - 7 (us 11) built?

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

What condition is I - 459 South over Al - 7 (us 11) 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does I - 459 South over Al - 7 (us 11) carry?

About 25,205 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is I - 459 South over Al - 7 (us 11)?

The structure is 281 ft (85.6 m) long with a longest span of 109 ft (33.2 m) and a deck 53 ft wide.

Who owns I - 459 South over Al - 7 (us 11)?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.