US Bridges

I - 20/59 South over Al - 7 Academy Drive

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · I59 * Academy Drive · Structure no. 011329

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
275 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
22,135
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I - 20/59 South over Al - 7 Academy Drive is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I - 20/59 South over Al - 7 Academy Drive in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 22,135 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 27,386 by 2043. The structure is 275 ft (83.8 m) long and 41 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI - 20/59 South
CrossesAl - 7 Academy Drive
LocationI59 * Academy Drive
RouteInterstate 20
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.36556, -87.00153
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating68.9 US tons
Inventory rating41.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length275 ft (83.8 m)
Longest span76 ft (23.3 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.4 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic22,135 (2023)
Projected traffic27,386 by 2043
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I - 20/59 South over Al - 7 Academy Drive built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is I - 20/59 South over Al - 7 Academy Drive 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does I - 20/59 South over Al - 7 Academy Drive carry?

About 22,135 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is I - 20/59 South over Al - 7 Academy Drive?

The structure is 275 ft (83.8 m) long with a longest span of 76 ft (23.3 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns I - 20/59 South over Al - 7 Academy Drive?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.