US Bridges

Morgan Road over Shades Creek Relief

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · .5 MI S Shades Creek · Structure no. 013549

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
68 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
9,515
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Morgan Road over Shades Creek Relief is a concrete channel beam carrying Morgan Road over Shades Creek Relief 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 9,515 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,300 by 2044. The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMorgan Road
CrossesShades Creek Relief
Location.5 MI S Shades Creek
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.3514, -86.93557
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating73 US tons
Inventory rating43.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length68 ft (20.7 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.6 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,515 (2024)
Projected traffic13,300 by 2044
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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$642,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Morgan Road over Shades Creek Relief built?

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

What condition is Morgan Road over Shades Creek Relief 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 Morgan Road over Shades Creek Relief carry?

About 9,515 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Morgan Road over Shades Creek Relief?

The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.6 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Morgan Road over Shades Creek Relief?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.