US Bridges

I - 459 South over Cahaba River

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · I459 * Cahaba River · Structure no. 012497

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
694 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
40,005
2022 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 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 40,005 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 50,583 by 2042. The structure is 694 ft (211.5 m) long and 71 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesI - 459 South
CrossesCahaba River
LocationI459 * Cahaba River
RouteInterstate 459
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.48464, -86.7098
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating47.5 US tons
Inventory rating28.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length694 ft (211.5 m)
Longest span150 ft (45.7 m)
Deck width71 ft (21.6 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40,005 (2022)
Projected traffic50,583 by 2042
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed—
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$11.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no 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 May 2023.

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

About 40,005 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is I - 459 South over Cahaba River?

The structure is 694 ft (211.5 m) long with a longest span of 150 ft (45.7 m) and a deck 71 ft wide.

Who owns I - 459 South over Cahaba River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.