US Bridges

So Shades Crest RD over Norfolk Southern RR

Good

Jefferson County, Alabama · 300 W Morgan RD (genery) · Structure no. 012347

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Good
inspected December 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
121 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,828
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

So Shades Crest RD over Norfolk Southern RR is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying So Shades Crest RD over Norfolk Southern RR in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1980, 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 2,828 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,925 by 2044. The structure is 121 ft (36.9 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesSo Shades Crest RD
CrossesNorfolk Southern RR
Location300 W Morgan RD (genery)
RouteCounty Highway 2
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.30823, -86.90483
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating57.1 US tons
Inventory rating34.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length121 ft (36.9 m)
Longest span116 ft (35.5 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,828 (2024)
Projected traffic3,925 by 2044
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was So Shades Crest RD over Norfolk Southern RR built?

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

What condition is So Shades Crest RD over Norfolk Southern RR in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in December 2024.

How much traffic does So Shades Crest RD over Norfolk Southern RR carry?

About 2,828 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is So Shades Crest RD over Norfolk Southern RR?

The structure is 121 ft (36.9 m) long with a longest span of 116 ft (35.5 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns So Shades Crest RD over Norfolk Southern RR?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.