US Bridges

I - 65 over Al - 3

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · Hoover Interchange · Structure no. 014418

Built
1972
53 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
318 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
117,910
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I - 65 over Al - 3 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I - 65 over Al - 3 in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1972 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 53 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 117,910 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 149,383 by 2044. The structure is 318 ft (96.9 m) long and 135 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI - 65
CrossesAl - 3
LocationHoover Interchange
RouteInterstate 65
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.412, -86.80566
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 rating65.8 US tons
Inventory rating39.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length318 ft (96.9 m)
Longest span142 ft (43.3 m)
Deck width135 ft (41.1 m)
Roadway width129 ft (39.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic117,910 (2024)
Projected traffic149,383 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$10.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I - 65 over Al - 3 built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is I - 65 over Al - 3 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 Al - 3 carry?

About 117,910 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is I - 65 over Al - 3?

The structure is 318 ft (96.9 m) long with a longest span of 142 ft (43.3 m) and a deck 135 ft wide.

Who owns I - 65 over Al - 3?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.