US Bridges

Al - 3 (us 31) over 5 Mile Creek

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · US 31 * 5 Mile Ck · Structure no. 011596

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
226 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
21,130
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 3 (us 31) over 5 Mile Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Al - 3 (us 31) over 5 Mile Creek in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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 21,130 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 27,143 by 2043. The structure is 226 ft (68.9 m) long and 104 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 3 (us 31)
Crosses5 Mile Creek
LocationUS 31 * 5 Mile Ck
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.59, -86.80361
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67.9 US tons
Inventory rating40.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length226 ft (68.9 m)
Longest span81 ft (24.7 m)
Deck width104 ft (31.6 m)
Roadway width101 ft (30.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic21,130 (2023)
Projected traffic27,143 by 2043
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$6.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 3 (us 31) over 5 Mile Creek built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al - 3 (us 31) over 5 Mile Creek 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 Al - 3 (us 31) over 5 Mile Creek carry?

About 21,130 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Al - 3 (us 31) over 5 Mile Creek?

The structure is 226 ft (68.9 m) long with a longest span of 81 ft (24.7 m) and a deck 104 ft wide.

Who owns Al - 3 (us 31) over 5 Mile Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.