US Bridges

I - 20 West over Ratliff Road

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · I20 and Ratliff RD · Structure no. 012916

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
328 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
35,000
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I - 20 West over Ratliff Road is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I - 20 West over Ratliff Road 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 35,000 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 42,286 by 2042. The structure is 328 ft (100 m) long and 71 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesI - 20 West
CrossesRatliff Road
LocationI20 and Ratliff RD
RouteInterstate 20
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.54833, -86.62806
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 inspectionMarch 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 rating79.1 US tons
Inventory rating47.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length328 ft (100 m)
Longest span134 ft (40.8 m)
Deck width71 ft (21.6 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35,000 (2022)
Projected traffic42,286 by 2042
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
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$5.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I - 20 West over Ratliff Road built?

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

What condition is I - 20 West over Ratliff Road 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does I - 20 West over Ratliff Road carry?

About 35,000 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is I - 20 West over Ratliff Road?

The structure is 328 ft (100 m) long with a longest span of 134 ft (40.8 m) and a deck 71 ft wide.

Who owns I - 20 West over Ratliff Road?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.