US Bridges

I - 65 North over I - 459 & Ramps

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · I 459/I 65 Interchange · Structure no. 011760

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
1,053 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
56,815
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I - 65 North over I - 459 & Ramps is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I - 65 North over I - 459 & Ramps 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 56,815 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 71,980 by 2044. The structure is 1,053 ft (320.9 m) long and 58 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI - 65 North
CrossesI - 459 & Ramps
LocationI 459/I 65 Interchange
RouteInterstate 65
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.39265, -86.78451
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 inspectionSeptember 2024
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 rating50.9 US tons
Inventory rating30.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,053 ft (320.9 m)
Longest span133 ft (40.4 m)
Deck width58 ft (17.6 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck18 ft (5.4 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic56,815 (2024)
Projected traffic71,980 by 2044
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesThird level (interchange)
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
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$13.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I - 65 North over I - 459 & Ramps built?

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

What condition is I - 65 North over I - 459 & Ramps 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does I - 65 North over I - 459 & Ramps carry?

About 56,815 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is I - 65 North over I - 459 & Ramps?

The structure is 1,053 ft (320.9 m) long with a longest span of 133 ft (40.4 m) and a deck 58 ft wide.

Who owns I - 65 North over I - 459 & Ramps?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.