US Bridges

I-59 over Bee Branch

Fair

Tuscaloosa County, Alabama · 0.4 MI N Hamms Pottery · Structure no. 010160

Built
1964
61 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
36 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
52,478
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-59 over Bee Branch is a concrete culvert carrying I-59 over Bee Branch in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. It was built in 1964 and reconstructed in 1970, so it is 61 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 52,478 vehicles a day, roughly 32% of them trucks, projected to reach 85,991 by 2043. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesI-59
CrossesBee Branch
Location0.4 MI N Hamms Pottery
RouteInterstate 59
CountyTuscaloosa County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.17562, -87.39898
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 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
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic52,478 (2020)
Projected traffic85,991 by 2043
Trucks32%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-59 over Bee Branch built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1970.

What condition is I-59 over Bee Branch 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does I-59 over Bee Branch carry?

About 52,478 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 32% are trucks.

How long is I-59 over Bee Branch?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.5 m).

Who owns I-59 over Bee Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.