US Bridges

Ramp "a" over 26th Street

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · I59 to 26th Street · Structure no. 014155

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
3,642 ft
28 main spans
Daily traffic
15,477
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ramp "a" over 26th Street is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ramp "a" over 26th Street in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 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 15,477 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,148 by 2044. The structure is 3,642 ft (1,110.1 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRamp "a"
Crosses26th Street
LocationI59 to 26th Street
RouteInterstate 20
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.5244, -86.8009
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 inspectionSeptember 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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating41.4 US tons
Inventory rating24.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans28 (+4 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length3,642 ft (1,110.1 m)
Longest span165 ft (50.3 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.3 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,477 (2024)
Projected traffic19,148 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
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$33.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Ramp "a" over 26th Street built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ramp "a" over 26th Street 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Ramp "a" over 26th Street carry?

About 15,477 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Ramp "a" over 26th Street?

The structure is 3,642 ft (1,110.1 m) long with a longest span of 165 ft (50.3 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns Ramp "a" over 26th Street?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.