US Bridges

University Pk. Pl over Shades Creek

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · Al 149 * Univ Park Pl. · Structure no. 017606

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
230 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
478
2024 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

University Pk. Pl over Shades Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying University Pk. Pl over Shades Creek in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 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 478 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,085 by 2044. The structure is 230 ft (70.1 m) long and 62 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUniversity Pk. Pl
CrossesShades Creek
LocationAl 149 * Univ Park Pl.
RouteCity Street 0
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.4594, -86.79769
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating56.3 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length230 ft (70.1 m)
Longest span81 ft (24.6 m)
Deck width62 ft (18.9 m)
Roadway width56 ft (17.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic478 (2024)
Projected traffic1,085 by 2044
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$3.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was University Pk. Pl over Shades Creek built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is University Pk. Pl over Shades Creek 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 University Pk. Pl over Shades Creek carry?

About 478 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is University Pk. Pl over Shades Creek?

The structure is 230 ft (70.1 m) long with a longest span of 81 ft (24.6 m) and a deck 62 ft wide.

Who owns University Pk. Pl over Shades Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.