Al - 3 (us 31) over Cahaba River
FairShelby County, Alabama · @ Jefferson/Shelby Cl · Structure no. 004549
- Built
- 1953
- 72 years old
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected January 2024
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Steel Continuous
- Length
- 466 ft
- 3 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 27,940
- 2024 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
Al - 3 (us 31) over Cahaba River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Al - 3 (us 31) over Cahaba River 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 27,940 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 35,891 by 2044. The structure is 466 ft (142 m) long and 59 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Superstructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was Al - 3 (us 31) over Cahaba River built?
It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.
What condition is Al - 3 (us 31) over Cahaba 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 January 2024.
How much traffic does Al - 3 (us 31) over Cahaba River carry?
About 27,940 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.
How long is Al - 3 (us 31) over Cahaba River?
The structure is 466 ft (142 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 59 ft wide.
Who owns Al - 3 (us 31) over Cahaba River?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.