US Bridges

I - 20 West over Al - 4 (us 78)

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · I20 * US 78 Leeds · Structure no. 013527

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
388 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
35,000
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I - 20 West over Al - 4 (us 78) is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I - 20 West over Al - 4 (us 78) in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 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 2044. The structure is 388 ft (118.3 m) long and 55 ft wide.

CarriesI - 20 West
CrossesAl - 4 (us 78)
LocationI20 * US 78 Leeds
RouteInterstate 20
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.5448, -86.5926
Functional classRural 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 inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating64.4 US tons
Inventory rating38.6 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length388 ft (118.3 m)
Longest span105 ft (32 m)
Deck width55 ft (16.7 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35,000 (2024)
Projected traffic42,286 by 2044
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure3
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$5.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I - 20 West over Al - 4 (us 78) built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is I - 20 West over Al - 4 (us 78) 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does I - 20 West over Al - 4 (us 78) carry?

About 35,000 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is I - 20 West over Al - 4 (us 78)?

The structure is 388 ft (118.3 m) long with a longest span of 105 ft (32 m) and a deck 55 ft wide.

Who owns I - 20 West over Al - 4 (us 78)?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.