US Bridges

I - 20/59 South over 15th ST Bessemer

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · I59 * 15th ST Bess · Structure no. 011755

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
192 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
23,360
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I - 20/59 South over 15th ST Bessemer is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I - 20/59 South over 15th 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 23,360 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 28,901 by 2043. The structure is 192 ft (58.5 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 - 20/59 South
Crosses15th ST Bessemer
LocationI59 * 15th ST Bess
RouteInterstate 20
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.40722, -86.97361
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 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 rating59.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length192 ft (58.5 m)
Longest span83 ft (25.3 m)
Deck width54 ft (16.5 m)
Roadway width51 ft (15.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic23,360 (2023)
Projected traffic28,901 by 2043
Trucks21%
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$2.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I - 20/59 South over 15th ST Bessemer built?

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

What condition is I - 20/59 South over 15th 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does I - 20/59 South over 15th ST Bessemer carry?

About 23,360 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is I - 20/59 South over 15th ST Bessemer?

The structure is 192 ft (58.5 m) long with a longest span of 83 ft (25.3 m) and a deck 54 ft wide.

Who owns I - 20/59 South over 15th ST Bessemer?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.