US Bridges

I - 20/59 East over L& N RR

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · I - 20 / L & N RR · Structure no. 012106

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
685 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
23,555
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I - 20/59 East over L& N RR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I - 20/59 East over L& N RR in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 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 23,555 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 29,142 by 2044. The structure is 685 ft (208.8 m) long and 53 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesI - 20/59 East
CrossesL& N RR
LocationI - 20 / L & N RR
RouteInterstate 20
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.4122, -86.9682
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.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating59.7 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadHS 20
Structure length685 ft (208.8 m)
Longest span98 ft (29.9 m)
Deck width53 ft (16.3 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic23,555 (2024)
Projected traffic29,142 by 2044
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad and waterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$8.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I - 20/59 East over L& N RR built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is I - 20/59 East over L& N RR 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does I - 20/59 East over L& N RR carry?

About 23,555 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is I - 20/59 East over L& N RR?

The structure is 685 ft (208.8 m) long with a longest span of 98 ft (29.9 m) and a deck 53 ft wide.

Who owns I - 20/59 East over L& N RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.