US Bridges

Morgan DR Vestavia over Little Shades Creek

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · 0.25 MI W Rocky Ridge RD · Structure no. 010227

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
104 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,026
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Morgan DR Vestavia over Little Shades Creek is a concrete channel beam carrying Morgan DR Vestavia over Little Shades Creek 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 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 5,026 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,835 by 2043. The structure is 104 ft (31.6 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMorgan DR Vestavia
CrossesLittle Shades Creek
Location0.25 MI W Rocky Ridge RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.42562, -86.77563
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating55.9 US tons
Inventory rating33.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length104 ft (31.6 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.6 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,026 (2023)
Projected traffic6,835 by 2043
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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$941,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Morgan DR Vestavia over Little Shades Creek built?

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

What condition is Morgan DR Vestavia over Little Shades Creek 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Morgan DR Vestavia over Little Shades Creek carry?

About 5,026 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Morgan DR Vestavia over Little Shades Creek?

The structure is 104 ft (31.6 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.6 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Morgan DR Vestavia over Little Shades Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.