US Bridges

I - 459 South over Southern RR

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · I459 South * Sou RR · Structure no. 012909

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
461 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
69,067
2025 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I - 459 South over Southern RR is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I - 459 South over Southern RR in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 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 69,067 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 124,741 by 2045. The structure is 461 ft (140.6 m) long and 53 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI - 459 South
CrossesSouthern RR
LocationI459 South * Sou RR
RouteInterstate 459
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.33758, -86.9261
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 inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45.9 US tons
Inventory rating27.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length461 ft (140.6 m)
Longest span130 ft (39.6 m)
Deck width53 ft (16.3 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic69,067 (2025)
Projected traffic124,741 by 2045
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
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$5.9 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I - 459 South over Southern RR built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is I - 459 South over Southern RR 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does I - 459 South over Southern RR carry?

About 69,067 vehicles per day (2025 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is I - 459 South over Southern RR?

The structure is 461 ft (140.6 m) long with a longest span of 130 ft (39.6 m) and a deck 53 ft wide.

Who owns I - 459 South over Southern RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.