US Bridges

I - 459 North over Cahaba River Rd.

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · I459 * Cahaba River Rd. · Structure no. 012305

Built
1980
45 years old, rebuilt 2005
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
303 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
48,035
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I - 459 North over Cahaba River Rd. is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I - 459 North over Cahaba River Rd. in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1980 and reconstructed in 2005, so it is 45 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 48,035 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 60,736 by 2043. The structure is 303 ft (92.5 m) long and 59 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI - 459 North
CrossesCahaba River Rd.
LocationI459 * Cahaba River Rd.
RouteInterstate 459
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.43361, -86.73944
Functional classRural 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 inspectionMarch 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 rating49.4 US tons
Inventory rating37.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length303 ft (92.5 m)
Longest span102 ft (31 m)
Deck width59 ft (18 m)
Roadway width56 ft (17.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic48,035 (2023)
Projected traffic60,736 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$4.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I - 459 North over Cahaba River Rd. built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2005.

What condition is I - 459 North over Cahaba River Rd. 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does I - 459 North over Cahaba River Rd. carry?

About 48,035 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is I - 459 North over Cahaba River Rd.?

The structure is 303 ft (92.5 m) long with a longest span of 102 ft (31 m) and a deck 59 ft wide.

Who owns I - 459 North over Cahaba River Rd.?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.