US Bridges

I-20 W to I-459 S over I 20 * I 459 *

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · I 20/ I459 Interchange · Structure no. 013172

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
895 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
7,000
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-20 W to I-459 S over I 20 * I 459 * is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-20 W to I-459 S over I 20 * I 459 * in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 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 7,000 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,457 by 2044. The structure is 895 ft (272.8 m) long and 44 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-20 W to I-459 S
CrossesI 20 * I 459 *
LocationI 20/ I459 Interchange
RouteInterstate 20
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.54528, -86.64139
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 inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating37.1 US tons
Inventory rating22.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length895 ft (272.8 m)
Longest span182 ft (55.5 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.3 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,000 (2024)
Projected traffic8,457 by 2044
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesFourth level (interchange)
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$8.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-20 W to I-459 S over I 20 * I 459 * built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-20 W to I-459 S over I 20 * 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does I-20 W to I-459 S over I 20 * I 459 * carry?

About 7,000 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is I-20 W to I-459 S over I 20 * I 459 *?

The structure is 895 ft (272.8 m) long with a longest span of 182 ft (55.5 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns I-20 W to I-459 S over I 20 * I 459 *?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.