US Bridges

I - 65 over 5th Ave. South

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · I65 * 5th Ave South · Structure no. 014406

Built
1970
55 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
193 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
69,245
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I - 65 over 5th Ave. South is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I - 65 over 5th Ave. South in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1970 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 55 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 69,245 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 87,728 by 2044. The structure is 193 ft (58.7 m) long and 140 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI - 65
Crosses5th Ave. South
LocationI65 * 5th Ave South
RouteInterstate 65
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.5017, -86.8145
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionAugust 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 rating80.9 US tons
Inventory rating48.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length193 ft (58.7 m)
Longest span84 ft (25.7 m)
Deck width140 ft (42.6 m)
Roadway width128 ft (38.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic69,245 (2024)
Projected traffic87,728 by 2044
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure8
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$7.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

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

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is I - 65 over 5th Ave. South 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does I - 65 over 5th Ave. South carry?

About 69,245 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

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

The structure is 193 ft (58.7 m) long with a longest span of 84 ft (25.7 m) and a deck 140 ft wide.

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

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.