US Bridges

I - 20/59 over Ave I

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · I - 20/59 / Ave I · Structure no. 014381

Built
1966
59 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
451 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
70,884
2025 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I - 20/59 over Ave I is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I - 20/59 over Ave I in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1966 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 59 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 5 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 70,884 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 128,025 by 2045. The structure is 451 ft (137.5 m) long and 101 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI - 20/59
CrossesAve I
LocationI - 20/59 / Ave I
RouteInterstate 20
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.49792, -86.90336
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating84.1 US tons
Inventory rating50.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadHS 20
Structure length451 ft (137.5 m)
Longest span64 ft (19.5 m)
Deck width101 ft (30.8 m)
Roadway width89 ft (27.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic70,884 (2025)
Projected traffic128,025 by 2045
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
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$11.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I - 20/59 over Ave I built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is I - 20/59 over Ave I 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does I - 20/59 over Ave I carry?

About 70,884 vehicles per day (2025 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is I - 20/59 over Ave I?

The structure is 451 ft (137.5 m) long with a longest span of 64 ft (19.5 m) and a deck 101 ft wide.

Who owns I - 20/59 over Ave I?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.