US Bridges

I - 459 South over Cabaha Heights Road

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · I459 * Cahaba Ht RD · Structure no. 012491

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
216 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
40,005
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I - 459 South over Cabaha Heights Road is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I - 459 South over Cabaha Heights Road in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 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 5 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 40,005 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 50,583 by 2044. The structure is 216 ft (65.8 m) long and 59 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI - 459 South
CrossesCabaha Heights Road
LocationI459 * Cahaba Ht RD
RouteInterstate 459
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.45445, -86.71781
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
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 rating90.3 US tons
Inventory rating54.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length216 ft (65.8 m)
Longest span111 ft (33.9 m)
Deck width59 ft (17.9 m)
Roadway width56 ft (17.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40,005 (2024)
Projected traffic50,583 by 2044
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure3
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$3.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I - 459 South over Cabaha Heights Road built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is I - 459 South over Cabaha Heights Road 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does I - 459 South over Cabaha Heights Road carry?

About 40,005 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is I - 459 South over Cabaha Heights Road?

The structure is 216 ft (65.8 m) long with a longest span of 111 ft (33.9 m) and a deck 59 ft wide.

Who owns I - 459 South over Cabaha Heights Road?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.