US Bridges

Happy Hollow RD over Cahaba River

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · 2.0 MI NE of Trussville · Structure no. 010636

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
176 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,995
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Happy Hollow RD over Cahaba River is a concrete tee beam carrying Happy Hollow RD over Cahaba River in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 1,995 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,250 by 2043. The structure is 176 ft (53.6 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHappy Hollow RD
CrossesCahaba River
Location2.0 MI NE of Trussville
RouteCounty Highway 398
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.6423, -86.59667
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating47.5 US tons
Inventory rating28.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length176 ft (53.6 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.6 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,995 (2023)
Projected traffic2,250 by 2043
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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$1.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Happy Hollow RD over Cahaba River built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is Happy Hollow RD over Cahaba River 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Happy Hollow RD over Cahaba River carry?

About 1,995 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Happy Hollow RD over Cahaba River?

The structure is 176 ft (53.6 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.6 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Happy Hollow RD over Cahaba River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.