US Bridges

I -20/59 North over 11th ST Bessemer

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · I59 * 11th ST Bess. · Structure no. 011754

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
171 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
31,758
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I -20/59 North over 11th ST Bessemer is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I -20/59 North over 11th ST Bessemer 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 31,758 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 47,637 by 2042. The structure is 171 ft (52.1 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI -20/59 North
Crosses11th ST Bessemer
LocationI59 * 11th ST Bess.
RouteInterstate 20
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.40278, -86.97722
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 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating81 US tons
Inventory rating48.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length171 ft (52.1 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic31,758 (2022)
Projected traffic47,637 by 2042
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
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 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I -20/59 North over 11th ST Bessemer built?

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

What condition is I -20/59 North over 11th ST Bessemer 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 I -20/59 North over 11th ST Bessemer carry?

About 31,758 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is I -20/59 North over 11th ST Bessemer?

The structure is 171 ft (52.1 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns I -20/59 North over 11th ST Bessemer?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.