US Bridges

Al 138 over I85

Fair

Macon County, Alabama · Shorter Exit · Structure no. 007269

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
265 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,480
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al 138 over I85 is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying Al 138 over I85 in Macon County, Alabama. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 3,480 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,246 by 2033. The structure is 265 ft (80.8 m) long and 33 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl 138
CrossesI85
LocationShorter Exit
RouteState Highway 138
CountyMacon County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.40687, -85.95817
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating50.9 US tons
Inventory rating30.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length265 ft (80.8 m)
Longest span73 ft (22.3 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,480 (2013)
Projected traffic4,246 by 2033
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$2.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Al 138 over I85 built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al 138 over I85 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Al 138 over I85 carry?

About 3,480 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Al 138 over I85?

The structure is 265 ft (80.8 m) long with a longest span of 73 ft (22.3 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Al 138 over I85?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.