US Bridges

Al 126 over I85

Fair

Montgomery County, Alabama · Waugh Exit · Structure no. 007563

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
247 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
4,240
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al 126 over I85 is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying Al 126 over I85 in Montgomery County, Alabama. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 4,240 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,062 by 2033. The structure is 247 ft (75.3 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl 126
CrossesI85
LocationWaugh Exit
RouteState Highway 126
CountyMontgomery County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.36802, -86.05238
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 inspectionApril 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 rating43.3 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length247 ft (75.3 m)
Longest span68 ft (20.7 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,240 (2013)
Projected traffic5,062 by 2033
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
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$2.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Al 126 over I85 built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al 126 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Al 126 over I85 carry?

About 4,240 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is Al 126 over I85?

The structure is 247 ft (75.3 m) long with a longest span of 68 ft (20.7 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Al 126 over I85?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.