US Bridges

Al - 3 South over Cahaba Valley Creek

Fair

Shelby County, Alabama · .1 Mi.So.Al 119 · Structure no. 005098

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
126 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
15,675
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 3 South over Cahaba Valley Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Al - 3 South over Cahaba Valley Creek in Shelby County, Alabama. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 6 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 15,675 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,135 by 2042. The structure is 126 ft (38.4 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 3 South
CrossesCahaba Valley Creek
Location.1 Mi.So.Al 119
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyShelby County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.32977, -86.79258
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.5 US tons
Inventory rating36.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length126 ft (38.4 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,675 (2022)
Projected traffic20,135 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$1.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 3 South over Cahaba Valley Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al - 3 South over Cahaba Valley Creek 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Al - 3 South over Cahaba Valley Creek carry?

About 15,675 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Al - 3 South over Cahaba Valley Creek?

The structure is 126 ft (38.4 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Al - 3 South over Cahaba Valley Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.