US Bridges

I - 20/59 East over Airport Blvd

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · I 59 * Airport Blvd · Structure no. 011086

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
176 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
70,200
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I - 20/59 East over Airport Blvd is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I - 20/59 East over Airport Blvd 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 2044. The structure is 176 ft (53.5 m) long and 71 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI - 20/59 East
CrossesAirport Blvd
LocationI 59 * Airport Blvd
RouteInterstate 20
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.54444, -86.75972
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 inspectionMarch 2024
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 rating62.7 US tons
Inventory rating37.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length176 ft (53.5 m)
Longest span82 ft (25 m)
Deck width71 ft (21.6 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic70,200 (2024)
Projected traffic86,852 by 2044
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$3.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I - 20/59 East over Airport Blvd built?

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

What condition is I - 20/59 East over Airport Blvd 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 2024.

How much traffic does I - 20/59 East over Airport Blvd carry?

About 70,200 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is I - 20/59 East over Airport Blvd?

The structure is 176 ft (53.5 m) long with a longest span of 82 ft (25 m) and a deck 71 ft wide.

Who owns I - 20/59 East over Airport Blvd?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.