US Bridges

I 59 Ramp to AL79 over Al - 79

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · I 59 * Al 79 · Structure no. 010864

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
170 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
15,379
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 59 Ramp to AL79 over Al - 79 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I 59 Ramp to AL79 over Al - 79 in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 15,379 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,027 by 2043. The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI 59 Ramp to AL79
CrossesAl - 79
LocationI 59 * Al 79
RouteInterstate 20
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.54741, -86.7801
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 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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating59.7 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length170 ft (51.8 m)
Longest span91 ft (27.7 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.2 m)
Roadway width45 ft (13.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,379 (2023)
Projected traffic19,027 by 2043
Trucks10%
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 NetworkSTRAHNET connector

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$2.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I 59 Ramp to AL79 over Al - 79 built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is I 59 Ramp to AL79 over Al - 79 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 2023.

How much traffic does I 59 Ramp to AL79 over Al - 79 carry?

About 15,379 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is I 59 Ramp to AL79 over Al - 79?

The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long with a longest span of 91 ft (27.7 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns I 59 Ramp to AL79 over Al - 79?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.