US Bridges

I - 65 over 5th. Ave North

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · I65*5th Ave North · Structure no. 014394

Built
1969
56 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
180 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
133,050
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I - 65 over 5th. Ave North is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I - 65 over 5th. Ave North in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1969 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 56 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 133,050 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 168,565 by 2044. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long and 133 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI - 65
Crosses5th. Ave North
LocationI65*5th Ave North
RouteInterstate 65
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.5117, -86.8213
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.
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54.7 US tons
Inventory rating32.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length180 ft (54.9 m)
Longest span83 ft (25.3 m)
Deck width133 ft (40.5 m)
Roadway width127 ft (38.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic133,050 (2024)
Projected traffic168,565 by 2044
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure8
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$6.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I - 65 over 5th. Ave North built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is I - 65 over 5th. Ave North 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 I - 65 over 5th. Ave North carry?

About 133,050 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is I - 65 over 5th. Ave North?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 83 ft (25.3 m) and a deck 133 ft wide.

Who owns I - 65 over 5th. Ave North?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.