US Bridges

I - 65 South over CO RD 26

Fair

Shelby County, Alabama · I 65 * CO RD 26 · Structure no. 006491

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
169 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
28,730
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I - 65 South over CO RD 26 is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying I - 65 South over CO RD 26 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 28,730 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 36,399 by 2043. The structure is 169 ft (51.5 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI - 65 South
CrossesCO RD 26
LocationI 65 * CO RD 26
RouteInterstate 65
CountyShelby County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.21466, -86.8005
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.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53 US tons
Inventory rating31.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length169 ft (51.5 m)
Longest span64 ft (19.5 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic28,730 (2023)
Projected traffic36,399 by 2043
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
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$1.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I - 65 South over CO RD 26 built?

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

What condition is I - 65 South over CO RD 26 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does I - 65 South over CO RD 26 carry?

About 28,730 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is I - 65 South over CO RD 26?

The structure is 169 ft (51.5 m) long with a longest span of 64 ft (19.5 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns I - 65 South over CO RD 26?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.