US Bridges

I - 459 North over Shades Ck Relief 2

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · .5 Mi. No. Shades Creek · Structure no. 012710

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
170 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
26,365
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I - 459 North over Shades Ck Relief 2 is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I - 459 North over Shades Ck Relief 2 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 26,365 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 33,336 by 2044. The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesI - 459 North
CrossesShades Ck Relief 2
Location.5 Mi. No. Shades Creek
RouteInterstate 459
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.33602, -86.93781
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64.7 US tons
Inventory rating38.8 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length170 ft (51.8 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic26,365 (2024)
Projected traffic33,336 by 2044
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I - 459 North over Shades Ck Relief 2 built?

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

What condition is I - 459 North over Shades Ck Relief 2 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 2024.

How much traffic does I - 459 North over Shades Ck Relief 2 carry?

About 26,365 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is I - 459 North over Shades Ck Relief 2?

The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns I - 459 North over Shades Ck Relief 2?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.