US Bridges

Al - 79 over Village Ck

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · .08 MI No. I-59/20 · Structure no. 010986

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
74 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50,640
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 79 over Village Ck is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Al - 79 over Village Ck 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 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 50,640 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 62,653 by 2042. The structure is 74 ft (22.6 m) long and 144 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 79
CrossesVillage Ck
Location.08 MI No. I-59/20
RouteState Highway 79
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.54806, -86.78083
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55.1 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length74 ft (22.6 m)
Longest span74 ft (22.6 m)
Deck width144 ft (43.9 m)
Roadway width124 ft (37.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50,640 (2022)
Projected traffic62,653 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure7
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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$3.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 79 over Village Ck built?

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

What condition is Al - 79 over Village Ck 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Al - 79 over Village Ck carry?

About 50,640 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Al - 79 over Village Ck?

The structure is 74 ft (22.6 m) long with a longest span of 74 ft (22.6 m) and a deck 144 ft wide.

Who owns Al - 79 over Village Ck?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.