US Bridges

University Park DR over Shades Creek

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · Al 149/UNIV Pk DR · Structure no. 017607

Built
1998
27 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
232 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,500
2024 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

University Park DR over Shades Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying University Park DR over Shades Creek in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1998, so it is 27 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 1,500 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 665 by 2044. The structure is 232 ft (70.8 m) long and 51 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUniversity Park DR
CrossesShades Creek
LocationAl 149/UNIV Pk DR
RouteCity Street 149
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.46122, -86.79383
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating57.8 US tons
Inventory rating37.5 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length232 ft (70.8 m)
Longest span69 ft (20.9 m)
Deck width51 ft (15.5 m)
Roadway width49 ft (14.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,500 (2024)
Projected traffic665 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure3
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$3.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was University Park DR over Shades Creek built?

It was built in 1998, making it 27 years old in 2025.

What condition is University Park DR 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 Park DR over Shades Creek carry?

About 1,500 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is University Park DR over Shades Creek?

The structure is 232 ft (70.8 m) long with a longest span of 69 ft (20.9 m) and a deck 51 ft wide.

Who owns University Park DR over Shades Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.