US Bridges

I - 20/59 over 41st ST Ensley

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · I-59 * 41st ST · Structure no. 014389

Built
1968
57 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
170 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
86,690
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I - 20/59 over 41st ST Ensley is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I - 20/59 over 41st ST Ensley in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1968 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 57 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 86,690 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 103,901 by 2043. The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long and 115 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI - 20/59
Crosses41st ST Ensley
LocationI-59 * 41st ST
RouteInterstate 20
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.49528, -86.91333
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 inspectionOctober 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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating41.8 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length170 ft (51.8 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width115 ft (35.2 m)
Roadway width103 ft (31.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic86,690 (2023)
Projected traffic103,901 by 2043
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-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$5.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I - 20/59 over 41st ST Ensley built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is I - 20/59 over 41st ST Ensley 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 2023.

How much traffic does I - 20/59 over 41st ST Ensley carry?

About 86,690 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is I - 20/59 over 41st ST Ensley?

The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 115 ft wide.

Who owns I - 20/59 over 41st ST Ensley?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.