US Bridges

I - 20 East over Coosa River

Fair

St. Clair County, Alabama · Riverside · Structure no. 007851

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
1,387 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
21,335
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I - 20 East over Coosa River is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying I - 20 East over Coosa River in St. Clair County, Alabama. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 21,335 vehicles a day, roughly 35% of them trucks, projected to reach 25,776 by 2043. The structure is 1,387 ft (422.8 m) long and 31 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI - 20 East
CrossesCoosa River
LocationRiverside
RouteInterstate 20
CountySt. Clair County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.59389, -86.18639
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.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating43.9 US tons
Inventory rating26.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+8 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,387 ft (422.8 m)
Longest span260 ft (79.2 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic21,335 (2023)
Projected traffic25,776 by 2043
Trucks35%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$9.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was I - 20 East over Coosa River built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is I - 20 East over Coosa River 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 I - 20 East over Coosa River carry?

About 21,335 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 35% are trucks.

How long is I - 20 East over Coosa River?

The structure is 1,387 ft (422.8 m) long with a longest span of 260 ft (79.2 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns I - 20 East over Coosa River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.