US Bridges

I - 59 South over Waldrop Ave

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · I 59 * Waldrop Ave · Structure no. 011339

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
175 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
20,545
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I - 59 South over Waldrop Ave is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I - 59 South over Waldrop Ave 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 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 20,545 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 25,418 by 2043. The structure is 175 ft (53.3 m) long and 54 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI - 59 South
CrossesWaldrop Ave
LocationI 59 * Waldrop Ave
RouteInterstate 59
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.58619, -86.69755
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
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 rating62.4 US tons
Inventory rating37.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length175 ft (53.3 m)
Longest span76 ft (23.2 m)
Deck width54 ft (16.4 m)
Roadway width51 ft (15.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20,545 (2023)
Projected traffic25,418 by 2043
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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$2.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I - 59 South over Waldrop Ave built?

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

What condition is I - 59 South over Waldrop 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does I - 59 South over Waldrop Ave carry?

About 20,545 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is I - 59 South over Waldrop Ave?

The structure is 175 ft (53.3 m) long with a longest span of 76 ft (23.2 m) and a deck 54 ft wide.

Who owns I - 59 South over Waldrop Ave?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.