US Bridges

Powder Plant RD over I - 20/59

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · Powder Plant Road · Structure no. 011748

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
317 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
24,240
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Powder Plant RD over I - 20/59 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Powder Plant RD over I - 20/59 in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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 24,240 vehicles a day, roughly 42% of them trucks, projected to reach 25,306 by 2043. The structure is 317 ft (96.6 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPowder Plant RD
CrossesI - 20/59
LocationPowder Plant Road
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.35416, -87.0138
Functional classRural 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating60.8 US tons
Inventory rating36.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length317 ft (96.6 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.3 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic24,240 (2023)
Projected traffic25,306 by 2043
Trucks42%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$3.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Powder Plant RD over I - 20/59 built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is Powder Plant RD over I - 20/59 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 2023.

How much traffic does Powder Plant RD over I - 20/59 carry?

About 24,240 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 42% are trucks.

How long is Powder Plant RD over I - 20/59?

The structure is 317 ft (96.6 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns Powder Plant RD over I - 20/59?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.