US Bridges

Al - 3 (us 31) over I - 65

Fair

Shelby County, Alabama · US 31 * I 65 @ Alabaster · Structure no. 011184

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
403 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
25,980
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 3 (us 31) over I - 65 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Al - 3 (us 31) over I - 65 in Shelby County, Alabama. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 years old, younger 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 25,980 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 33,373 by 2043. The structure is 403 ft (122.8 m) long and 99 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 3 (us 31)
CrossesI - 65
LocationUS 31 * I 65 @ Alabaster
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyShelby County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.23047, -86.80681
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.
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 inspectionSeptember 2023
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating79.3 US tons
Inventory rating47.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length403 ft (122.8 m)
Longest span94 ft (28.7 m)
Deck width99 ft (30.3 m)
Roadway width99 ft (30.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25,980 (2023)
Projected traffic33,373 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
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$9.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 3 (us 31) over I - 65 built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al - 3 (us 31) over I - 65 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 Al - 3 (us 31) over I - 65 carry?

About 25,980 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Al - 3 (us 31) over I - 65?

The structure is 403 ft (122.8 m) long with a longest span of 94 ft (28.7 m) and a deck 99 ft wide.

Who owns Al - 3 (us 31) over I - 65?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.