US Bridges

I85 Nbl over Al. 81

Fair

Macon County, Alabama · Al. 81 Exit · Structure no. 014745

Built
1964
61 years old, rebuilt 1989
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
151 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
16,355
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I85 Nbl over Al. 81 is a concrete tee beam carrying I85 Nbl over Al. 81 in Macon County, Alabama. It was built in 1964 and reconstructed in 1989, so it is 61 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 16,355 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,555 by 2033. The structure is 151 ft (46 m) long and 47 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI85 Nbl
CrossesAl. 81
LocationAl. 81 Exit
RouteInterstate 85
CountyMacon County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.47255, -85.69247
Functional classRural 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
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating50.4 US tons
Inventory rating30.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length151 ft (46 m)
Longest span51 ft (15.5 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.3 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,355 (2013)
Projected traffic21,555 by 2033
Trucks26%
Lanes on structure2
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$1.9 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I85 Nbl over Al. 81 built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1989.

What condition is I85 Nbl over Al. 81 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 I85 Nbl over Al. 81 carry?

About 16,355 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is I85 Nbl over Al. 81?

The structure is 151 ft (46 m) long with a longest span of 51 ft (15.5 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns I85 Nbl over Al. 81?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.