US Bridges

US 31 over 1st Thru 8th Ave. N

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · US 31 * 1st * 8th Ave N · Structure no. 013837

Built
1972
53 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
3,257 ft
22 main spans
Daily traffic
36,875
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 31 over 1st Thru 8th Ave. N is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 31 over 1st Thru 8th Ave. N in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1972 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 53 years old, older 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 36,875 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 47,368 by 2042. The structure is 3,257 ft (992.7 m) long and 47 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 31
Crosses1st Thru 8th Ave. N
LocationUS 31 * 1st * 8th Ave N
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.51806, -86.79528
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 inspectionJune 2023
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36.8 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans22 (+19 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length3,257 ft (992.7 m)
Longest span180 ft (54.9 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.3 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic36,875 (2022)
Projected traffic47,368 by 2042
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate 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$35.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 31 over 1st Thru 8th Ave. N built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is US 31 over 1st Thru 8th Ave. N 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does US 31 over 1st Thru 8th Ave. N carry?

About 36,875 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is US 31 over 1st Thru 8th Ave. N?

The structure is 3,257 ft (992.7 m) long with a longest span of 180 ft (54.9 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 31 over 1st Thru 8th Ave. N?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.