US Bridges

I 59/20 East over 50th ST North

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · I 59 * 50 TH ST · Structure no. 011083

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
153 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
70,200
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I 59/20 East over 50th ST North is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I 59/20 East over 50th ST North in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 years old, younger 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 70,200 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 86,852 by 2043. The structure is 153 ft (46.6 m) long and 71 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI 59/20 East
Crosses50th ST North
LocationI 59 * 50 TH ST
RouteInterstate 20
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.54556, -86.76167
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.1 US tons
Inventory rating40.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length153 ft (46.6 m)
Longest span82 ft (25 m)
Deck width71 ft (21.5 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic70,200 (2023)
Projected traffic86,852 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure4
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 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 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I 59/20 East over 50th ST North built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is I 59/20 East over 50th ST North 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 59/20 East over 50th ST North carry?

About 70,200 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is I 59/20 East over 50th ST North?

The structure is 153 ft (46.6 m) long with a longest span of 82 ft (25 m) and a deck 71 ft wide.

Who owns I 59/20 East over 50th ST North?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.