US Bridges

3rd Ave East over I-59 (mp 72.24)

Fair

Tuscaloosa County, Alabama · Skyland School · Structure no. 010184

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
270 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
6,500
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

3rd Ave East over I-59 (mp 72.24) is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying 3rd Ave East over I-59 (mp 72.24) in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 6 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 6,500 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,900 by 2035. The structure is 270 ft (82.3 m) long and 65 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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Carries3rd Ave East
CrossesI-59 (mp 72.24)
LocationSkyland School
RouteCity Street 0
CountyTuscaloosa County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.17051, -87.53228
Functional classUrban Minor 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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating66.5 US tons
Inventory rating39.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length270 ft (82.3 m)
Longest span84 ft (25.6 m)
Deck width65 ft (19.7 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,500 (2009)
Projected traffic8,900 by 2035
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$4.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was 3rd Ave East over I-59 (mp 72.24) built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is 3rd Ave East over I-59 (mp 72.24) 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does 3rd Ave East over I-59 (mp 72.24) carry?

About 6,500 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is 3rd Ave East over I-59 (mp 72.24)?

The structure is 270 ft (82.3 m) long with a longest span of 84 ft (25.6 m) and a deck 65 ft wide.

Who owns 3rd Ave East over I-59 (mp 72.24)?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.