US Bridges

I - 20/59 W Ramp over City Streets and US 31

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · Ramp from I59SB to 31SB · Structure no. 014159

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
2,709 ft
19 main spans
Daily traffic
15,477
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I - 20/59 W Ramp over City Streets and US 31 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I - 20/59 W Ramp over City Streets and US 31 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 2,709 ft (825.7 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI - 20/59 W Ramp
CrossesCity Streets and US 31
LocationRamp from I59SB to 31SB
RouteInterstate 20
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.52993, -86.80308
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 inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64 US tons
Inventory rating38.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans19 (+12 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length2,709 ft (825.7 m)
Longest span123 ft (37.5 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck17 ft (5.2 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,477 (2024)
Projected traffic19,148 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
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$17.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I - 20/59 W Ramp over City Streets and US 31 built?

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

What condition is I - 20/59 W Ramp over City Streets and US 31 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 2024.

How much traffic does I - 20/59 W Ramp over City Streets and US 31 carry?

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

How long is I - 20/59 W Ramp over City Streets and US 31?

The structure is 2,709 ft (825.7 m) long with a longest span of 123 ft (37.5 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns I - 20/59 W Ramp over City Streets and US 31?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.