US Bridges

I - 65 North over L & N RR

Fair

Shelby County, Alabama · 0 . 8 MI N JCT US 31 · Structure no. 006485

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
212 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
22,985
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I - 65 North over L & N RR is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying I - 65 North over L & N RR in Shelby County, Alabama. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 22,985 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 29,120 by 2044. The structure is 212 ft (64.6 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI - 65 North
CrossesL & N RR
Location0 . 8 MI N JCT US 31
RouteInterstate 65
CountyShelby County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.14744, -86.75699
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionFebruary 2024
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating42.2 US tons
Inventory rating25.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length212 ft (64.6 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic22,985 (2024)
Projected traffic29,120 by 2044
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
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$1.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I - 65 North over L & N RR built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is I - 65 North 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does I - 65 North over L & N RR carry?

About 22,985 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is I - 65 North over L & N RR?

The structure is 212 ft (64.6 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns I - 65 North over L & N RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.