US Bridges

I - 65 North over L & N RR / Old US 31

Fair

Shelby County, Alabama · 3 . 5 MI N JCT CO RD 87 · Structure no. 006494

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
365 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
28,730
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I - 65 North over L & N RR / Old US 31 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I - 65 North over L & N RR / Old US 31 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 2044. The structure is 365 ft (111.3 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI - 65 North
CrossesL & N RR / Old US 31
Location3 . 5 MI N JCT CO RD 87
RouteInterstate 65
CountyShelby County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.21861, -86.8025
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.
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 inspectionMay 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.3 US tons
Inventory rating28.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length365 ft (111.3 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic28,730 (2024)
Projected traffic36,399 by 2044
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and railroad
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 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$3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I - 65 North over L & N RR / Old US 31 built?

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

What condition is I - 65 North over L & N RR / Old US 31 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does I - 65 North over L & N RR / Old US 31 carry?

About 28,730 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is I - 65 North over L & N RR / Old US 31?

The structure is 365 ft (111.3 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns I - 65 North over L & N RR / Old US 31?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.