US Bridges

Flat Top Road over BNSF RR

Good

Jefferson County, Alabama · 100FT E of Palos RD · Structure no. 016365

Built
1995
30 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
129 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,580
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Flat Top Road over BNSF RR is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Flat Top Road over BNSF RR in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1995, so it is 30 years old, younger than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 6,580 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,360 by 2043. The structure is 129 ft (39.3 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesFlat Top Road
CrossesBNSF RR
Location100FT E of Palos RD
RouteCounty Highway 414
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.65072, -87.05172
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating91.1 US tons
Inventory rating49.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length129 ft (39.3 m)
Longest span129 ft (39.3 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,580 (2023)
Projected traffic9,360 by 2043
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$1.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Flat Top Road over BNSF RR built?

It was built in 1995, making it 30 years old in 2025.

What condition is Flat Top Road over BNSF RR in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2023.

How much traffic does Flat Top Road over BNSF RR carry?

About 6,580 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is Flat Top Road over BNSF RR?

The structure is 129 ft (39.3 m) long with a longest span of 129 ft (39.3 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Flat Top Road over BNSF RR?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.