US Bridges

County RD 52 over Cahaba River

Good

Shelby County, Alabama · CR 52 over Cahaba River · Structure no. 020819

Built
2021
4 years old
Condition
Good
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
446 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
15,911
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County RD 52 over Cahaba River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County RD 52 over Cahaba River in Shelby County, Alabama. It was built in 2021, so it is 4 years old, younger than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 15,911 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,642 by 2043. The structure is 446 ft (135.9 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 26.1 mi (42 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty RD 52
CrossesCahaba River
LocationCR 52 over Cahaba River
RouteCounty Highway 52
CountyShelby County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.28455, -86.88271
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54.7 US tons
Inventory rating42.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHL 93
Structure length446 ft (135.9 m)
Longest span238 ft (72.4 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,911 (2023)
Projected traffic23,642 by 2043
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed26.1 mi (42 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$4.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County RD 52 over Cahaba River built?

It was built in 2021, making it 4 years old in 2025.

What condition is County RD 52 over Cahaba River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in December 2023.

How much traffic does County RD 52 over Cahaba River carry?

About 15,911 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is County RD 52 over Cahaba River?

The structure is 446 ft (135.9 m) long with a longest span of 238 ft (72.4 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns County RD 52 over Cahaba River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.