I - 459 North over Little Shades Creek
FairJefferson County, Alabama · I459 * Little Shades Ck · Structure no. 011924
- Built
- 1978
- 47 years old
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected October 2023
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Steel Continuous
- Length
- 345 ft
- 4 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 51,820
- 2023 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
I - 459 North over Little Shades Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I - 459 North over Little Shades Creek in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 51,820 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 65,522 by 2043. The structure is 345 ft (105.2 m) long and 83 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Superstructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Substructure | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
| Channel and channel protection | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was I - 459 North over Little Shades Creek built?
It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.
What condition is I - 459 North over Little Shades 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 October 2023.
How much traffic does I - 459 North over Little Shades Creek carry?
About 51,820 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.
How long is I - 459 North over Little Shades Creek?
The structure is 345 ft (105.2 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 83 ft wide.
Who owns I - 459 North over Little Shades Creek?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.