US Bridges

I - 20/59 West over Woodward Railroad

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · I59 * Woodward RR · Structure no. 012111

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

About this bridge

I - 20/59 West over Woodward Railroad is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I - 20/59 West over Woodward Railroad 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 179 ft (54.6 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesI - 20/59 West
CrossesWoodward Railroad
LocationI59 * Woodward RR
RouteInterstate 20
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.42222, -86.95972
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 inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating86.6 US tons
Inventory rating51.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length179 ft (54.6 m)
Longest span67 ft (20.4 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 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
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$2.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I - 20/59 West over Woodward Railroad built?

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

What condition is I - 20/59 West over Woodward Railroad 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does I - 20/59 West over Woodward Railroad carry?

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

How long is I - 20/59 West over Woodward Railroad?

The structure is 179 ft (54.6 m) long with a longest span of 67 ft (20.4 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns I - 20/59 West over Woodward Railroad?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.