US Bridges

I - 459 South over Norfolk Southern

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · I459 * Norfolk Southern · Structure no. 012500

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
223 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
29,455
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I - 459 South over Norfolk Southern is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I - 459 South over Norfolk Southern 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 29,455 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 37,243 by 2043. The structure is 223 ft (67.9 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
CrossesNorfolk Southern
LocationI459 * Norfolk Southern
RouteInterstate 459
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.55862, -86.64037
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 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 rating60.2 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length223 ft (67.9 m)
Longest span84 ft (25.6 m)
Deck width59 ft (17.9 m)
Roadway width56 ft (17.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic29,455 (2023)
Projected traffic37,243 by 2043
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
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$3.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I - 459 South over Norfolk Southern built?

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

What condition is I - 459 South over Norfolk Southern 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 Norfolk Southern carry?

About 29,455 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is I - 459 South over Norfolk Southern?

The structure is 223 ft (67.9 m) long with a longest span of 84 ft (25.6 m) and a deck 59 ft wide.

Who owns I - 459 South over Norfolk Southern?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.