US Bridges

Al - 4 West over I 459 & I - 20 Ramps

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · US 78 * I459 · Structure no. 012538

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
582 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
4,400
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 4 West over I 459 & I - 20 Ramps is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Al - 4 West over I 459 & I - 20 Ramps 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 4,400 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,674 by 2043. The structure is 582 ft (177.4 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 4 West
CrossesI 459 & I - 20 Ramps
LocationUS 78 * I459
RouteU.S. Route 78
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.54862, -86.6432
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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 inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57.9 US tons
Inventory rating34.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length582 ft (177.4 m)
Longest span175 ft (53.3 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.6 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,400 (2023)
Projected traffic5,674 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$6.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 4 West over I 459 & I - 20 Ramps built?

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

What condition is Al - 4 West over I 459 & I - 20 Ramps 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Al - 4 West over I 459 & I - 20 Ramps carry?

About 4,400 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Al - 4 West over I 459 & I - 20 Ramps?

The structure is 582 ft (177.4 m) long with a longest span of 175 ft (53.3 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns Al - 4 West over I 459 & I - 20 Ramps?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.