US Bridges

Al - 3 over L & N RR

Fair

Shelby County, Alabama · 1.6 Mi.So. I-65(CALERA Ex · Structure no. 004548

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
222 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
14,180
2025 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 3 over L & N RR is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Al - 3 over L & N RR in Shelby County, Alabama. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 14,180 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,215 by 2045. The structure is 222 ft (67.7 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 3
CrossesL & N RR
Location1.6 Mi.So. I-65(CALERA Ex
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyShelby County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.12484, -86.7527
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47.7 US tons
Inventory rating28.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length222 ft (67.7 m)
Longest span72 ft (21.9 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,180 (2025)
Projected traffic18,215 by 2045
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.9 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 3 over L & N RR built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al - 3 over L & N RR 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does Al - 3 over L & N RR carry?

About 14,180 vehicles per day (2025 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is Al - 3 over L & N RR?

The structure is 222 ft (67.7 m) long with a longest span of 72 ft (21.9 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Al - 3 over L & N RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.