US Bridges

Commerce Blvd over Shades Ck

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · 5 TH Av S * Commerce Blvd · Structure no. 011252

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
50 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
2,500
2024 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Commerce Blvd over Shades Ck is a concrete culvert carrying Commerce Blvd over Shades Ck 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 2,500 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,000 by 2044. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCommerce Blvd
CrossesShades Ck
Location5 TH Av S * Commerce Blvd
RouteCity Street 0
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.54478, -86.69182
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating58.1 US tons
Inventory rating34.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,500 (2024)
Projected traffic3,000 by 2044
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$953,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Commerce Blvd over Shades Ck built?

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

What condition is Commerce Blvd over Shades 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Commerce Blvd over Shades Ck carry?

About 2,500 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is Commerce Blvd over Shades Ck?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Commerce Blvd over Shades Ck?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.