US Bridges

I459 Ramp over Blue Lake Drive

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · I459 RAMP82 to US 280 · Structure no. 014777

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
257 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
9,607
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I459 Ramp over Blue Lake Drive is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I459 Ramp over Blue Lake Drive in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 years old, younger 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 6 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 9,607 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,147 by 2044. The structure is 257 ft (78.3 m) long and 59 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI459 Ramp
CrossesBlue Lake Drive
LocationI459 RAMP82 to US 280
RouteInterstate 459
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.44029, -86.72972
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating65.1 US tons
Inventory rating39.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length257 ft (78.3 m)
Longest span107 ft (32.6 m)
Deck width59 ft (18 m)
Roadway width56 ft (17.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,607 (2024)
Projected traffic12,147 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$3.9 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I459 Ramp over Blue Lake Drive built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is I459 Ramp over Blue Lake Drive 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 2024.

How much traffic does I459 Ramp over Blue Lake Drive carry?

About 9,607 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is I459 Ramp over Blue Lake Drive?

The structure is 257 ft (78.3 m) long with a longest span of 107 ft (32.6 m) and a deck 59 ft wide.

Who owns I459 Ramp over Blue Lake Drive?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.