US Bridges

I - 20/59 South over 24th ST Bessemer

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · I59 * 24th ST · Structure no. 012107

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
214 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
67,506
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I - 20/59 South over 24th ST Bessemer is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I - 20/59 South over 24th ST Bessemer 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 67,506 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 101,259 by 2043. The structure is 214 ft (65.2 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI - 20/59 South
Crosses24th ST Bessemer
LocationI59 * 24th ST
RouteInterstate 20
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.41583, -86.96361
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 inspectionAugust 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 rating75.7 US tons
Inventory rating45.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length214 ft (65.2 m)
Longest span84 ft (25.6 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.5 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic67,506 (2023)
Projected traffic101,259 by 2043
Trucks15%
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I - 20/59 South over 24th ST Bessemer built?

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

What condition is I - 20/59 South over 24th 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does I - 20/59 South over 24th ST Bessemer carry?

About 67,506 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is I - 20/59 South over 24th ST Bessemer?

The structure is 214 ft (65.2 m) long with a longest span of 84 ft (25.6 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns I - 20/59 South over 24th ST Bessemer?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.