US Bridges

Co. Hwy. 29 over Cahaba River

Fair

Shelby County, Alabama · 300 Ft. So. Jeff CO Line · Structure no. 007390

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
225 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
16,152
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Co. Hwy. 29 over Cahaba River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Co. Hwy. 29 over Cahaba River in Shelby County, Alabama. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 16,152 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,613 by 2043. The structure is 225 ft (68.5 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesCo. Hwy. 29
CrossesCahaba River
Location300 Ft. So. Jeff CO Line
RouteCounty Highway 29
CountyShelby County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.41588, -86.74026
Functional classUrban Collector

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating28.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length225 ft (68.5 m)
Longest span102 ft (31 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,152 (2023)
Projected traffic22,613 by 2043
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Co. Hwy. 29 over Cahaba River built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is Co. Hwy. 29 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Co. Hwy. 29 over Cahaba River carry?

About 16,152 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is Co. Hwy. 29 over Cahaba River?

The structure is 225 ft (68.5 m) long with a longest span of 102 ft (31 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Co. Hwy. 29 over Cahaba River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.