US Bridges

Shades Crest RD over I 459

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · Shades Crest RD · Structure no. 012714

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
530 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
14,069
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Shades Crest RD over I 459 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Shades Crest 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 14,069 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 25,411 by 2042. The structure is 530 ft (161.6 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesShades Crest RD
CrossesI 459
LocationShades Crest RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.34529, -86.87091
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 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 spans4 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length530 ft (161.6 m)
Longest span110 ft (33.5 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,069 (2022)
Projected traffic25,411 by 2042
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$5.9 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Shades Crest RD over I 459 built?

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

What condition is Shades Crest 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Shades Crest RD over I 459 carry?

About 14,069 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Shades Crest RD over I 459?

The structure is 530 ft (161.6 m) long with a longest span of 110 ft (33.5 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns Shades Crest RD over I 459?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.