US Bridges

I - 59 South over Aviation Ave

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · Aviation Ave · Structure no. 011094

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
210 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
38,900
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I - 59 South over Aviation Ave is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I - 59 South over Aviation Ave 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 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 38,900 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 48,127 by 2044. The structure is 210 ft (64 m) long and 54 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesI - 59 South
CrossesAviation Ave
LocationAviation Ave
RouteInterstate 59
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.55028, -86.74583
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating73.6 US tons
Inventory rating44.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length210 ft (64 m)
Longest span78 ft (23.8 m)
Deck width54 ft (16.5 m)
Roadway width51 ft (15.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic38,900 (2022)
Projected traffic48,127 by 2044
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
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 South over Aviation Ave built?

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

What condition is I - 59 South over Aviation Ave 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 - 59 South over Aviation Ave carry?

About 38,900 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is I - 59 South over Aviation Ave?

The structure is 210 ft (64 m) long with a longest span of 78 ft (23.8 m) and a deck 54 ft wide.

Who owns I - 59 South over Aviation Ave?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.