US Bridges

I - 20/59 North over 18th Ave Bessemer

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · I59 * 18th Ave · Structure no. 012114

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
371 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
33,753
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I - 20/59 North over 18th Ave Bessemer is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I - 20/59 North over 18th Ave 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 33,753 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 50,630 by 2042. The structure is 371 ft (113.1 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI - 20/59 North
Crosses18th Ave Bessemer
LocationI59 * 18th Ave
RouteInterstate 20
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.42611, -86.955
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 inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39.9 US tons
Inventory rating23.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length371 ft (113.1 m)
Longest span142 ft (43.3 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic33,753 (2022)
Projected traffic50,630 by 2042
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$3.9 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I - 20/59 North over 18th Ave Bessemer built?

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

What condition is I - 20/59 North over 18th Ave 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does I - 20/59 North over 18th Ave Bessemer carry?

About 33,753 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I - 20/59 North over 18th Ave Bessemer?

The structure is 371 ft (113.1 m) long with a longest span of 142 ft (43.3 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns I - 20/59 North over 18th Ave Bessemer?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.