US Bridges

Vulcan RD over I - 459

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · CO RD 26 * I459 · Structure no. 012702

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
445 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
1,200
2025 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Vulcan RD over I - 459 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Vulcan RD over I - 459 in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1982, so it is 43 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 1,200 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,650 by 2045. The structure is 445 ft (135.5 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesVulcan RD
CrossesI - 459
LocationCO RD 26 * I459
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.33388, -86.96127
Functional classUrban Local

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
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 rating69.3 US tons
Inventory rating41.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length445 ft (135.5 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.2 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,200 (2025)
Projected traffic1,650 by 2045
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and railroad
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$3.9 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Vulcan RD over I - 459 built?

It was built in 1982, making it 43 years old in 2025.

What condition is Vulcan RD over I - 459 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does Vulcan RD over I - 459 carry?

About 1,200 vehicles per day (2025 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Vulcan RD over I - 459?

The structure is 445 ft (135.5 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns Vulcan RD over I - 459?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.