US Bridges

I - 459 South over Cahaba River

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · I459 * Cahaba River · Structure no. 012493

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
636 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
99,312
2025 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I - 459 South over Cahaba River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I - 459 South over Cahaba River 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 99,312 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 179,368 by 2045. The structure is 636 ft (193.9 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
CrossesCahaba River
LocationI459 * Cahaba River
RouteInterstate 459
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.46662, -86.70939
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating68.5 US tons
Inventory rating40.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length636 ft (193.9 m)
Longest span150 ft (45.7 m)
Deck width59 ft (17.9 m)
Roadway width56 ft (17.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic99,312 (2025)
Projected traffic179,368 by 2045
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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$8.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I - 459 South over Cahaba River built?

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

What condition is I - 459 South over Cahaba River 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does I - 459 South over Cahaba River carry?

About 99,312 vehicles per day (2025 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is I - 459 South over Cahaba River?

The structure is 636 ft (193.9 m) long with a longest span of 150 ft (45.7 m) and a deck 59 ft wide.

Who owns I - 459 South over Cahaba River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.