US Bridges

I - 59 South over Edwards Lake Road

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · I59 * Edwards Lake RD · Structure no. 010179

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
182 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
29,395
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I - 59 South over Edwards Lake Road is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I - 59 South over Edwards Lake Road 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 29,395 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 36,368 by 2044. The structure is 182 ft (55.5 m) long and 66 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI - 59 South
CrossesEdwards Lake Road
LocationI59 * Edwards Lake RD
RouteInterstate 59
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.60112, -86.65235
Functional classRural 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating76.2 US tons
Inventory rating45.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length182 ft (55.5 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width66 ft (20 m)
Roadway width63 ft (19.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic29,395 (2024)
Projected traffic36,368 by 2044
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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$3.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I - 59 South over Edwards Lake Road built?

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

What condition is I - 59 South over Edwards Lake Road 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 2024.

How much traffic does I - 59 South over Edwards Lake Road carry?

About 29,395 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is I - 59 South over Edwards Lake Road?

The structure is 182 ft (55.5 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 66 ft wide.

Who owns I - 59 South over Edwards Lake Road?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.